Moed statement on charges filed against negligent landlord who put Indianapolis renters at risk

State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement on a New Jersey man charged with misuse of funds that resulted in utility shut-offs for those in affordable housing: 

“A critical step in allowing Indianapolis to thrive is holding bad-acting landlords accountable. Two years ago, the JPC Affordable Housing Foundation's misuse of funds resulted in people losing access to necessities such as power and water, with some families even facing eviction.

“Today's criminal charges are a crucial step forward for tenant protections, but the state legislature must do more to prevent similar abuses. JPC properties have shown that there are loopholes in our ability to protect renters. Last year, I helped pass legislation allowing the court to appoint a receiver when a landlord incurs utility bills 60 days past due. That was a crucial victory, but there’s still so much to do. We need to make sure we have the tools to proactively go after bad actors in the future.”