The Human Rights Commission of Hopkinsville–Christian County hosted its second public forum on the Uniform Residential Landlord–Tenant Act. City leaders, landlords, and residents gathered to debate whether Hopkinsville needs to adopt the law.
One question at the center of the forum—if Hopkinsville already has tenant protections in place, why adopt URLTA?
Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight Jr. says the city already enforces strong property maintenance standards.
click to download audioKnight says the real issue isn’t a lack of laws—it’s a lack of understanding.
He says education must also account for the realities many renters face.
click to download audioLocal landlord Brandon Borneman, who owns twelve rental properties in Hopkinsville, worries adopting the law could create more confusion.
click to download audioBorneman says most of what URLTA covers already exists in city and state law.
click to download audioHe says education—not new legislation—should be the priority.
click to download audioCity Attorney Doug Willen says the URLTA debate isn’t new.
click to download audioWillen says the city chose to strengthen enforcement instead.
click to download audioBut Human Rights Commission Executive Director Raychel Farmer says gaps still exist—especially for vulnerable residents.
click to download audioFarmer says retaliation protections don’t always work in practice.
click to download audioShe also points to issues not covered by current ordinances.
click to download audioWillen says adopting URLTA would require taking the entire law—or none at all.
click to download audioHe suggests legal aid could help bridge the gap.
click to download audioFor now, city leaders say the conversation continues—focused on whether Hopkinsville needs new laws, or better understanding of the ones already in place.
