Fire Victims Have Right to Return, Yet Few Do

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Residents of the building at 22nd and Mission look on at burned-out building. Photo by Daniel Hirsch/Mission Local

By Laura Wenus, Mission Local

Within a few days of the fire that destroyed their homes on 22nd and Mission streets, the 65 displaced tenants were told repeatedly how city officials and rights groups were there to serve them, would help them and would guide them on their long round trip journey back to their apartments. After all, tenants were assured, they had a right to return to their homes at their former rent.

For distraught residents, it all sounded so hopeful, but it is becoming clear how long and arduous the process will be. Rent Commissioner and tenant lawyer Cathy Mosbrucker said that, in general, “it’s unlikely” for tenants displaced by fires to return to their buildings.

Read the complete story at Mission Local.

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