State and Local Officials Discuss Steps to Strengthen Enforcement Against Corporate Slumlords

SHREVEPORT, La. Members of the Louisiana legislative delegation convened a meeting with members of the City Council, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, and Caddo District Attorney's Office on Monday to address ongoing concerns involving chronic problem properties, unpaid utility accounts, and the potential misappropriation of utility payments collected from tenants.

The meeting focused on Louisiana's existing criminal blight and utility-payment laws, how complaints are referred for investigation, and how local agencies can better coordinate enforcement. Legislative staff reviewed existing state laws and recent amendments, while local officials discussed practical challenges involving complaints, investigations, administrative enforcement, and referrals for prosecution.

This was a productive conversation, and I appreciate everyone who came to the table willing to work toward solutions,” Jackson said. “The important thing is that we now have a clearer understanding of the tools already available and where we need better coordination locally. There comes a point when neglect stops looking accidental and starts looking like greed and avarice. The days of corporate slumlords collecting money, neglecting their properties, leaving tenants without basic services, and then using shell LLCs to shield a criminal enterprise are numbered. Poor tenants should not be the only people in this city who feel the full weight of government."

The discussion identified several action items:

• City Council/City Attorney: Consider whether a resolution, ordinance, or other formal mechanism is appropriate to clarify or authorize the City's complaint and referral process for suspected utility-payment misappropriation.

• Evaluate criminal blight and available racketeering provisions for chronic or repeat offenders when the statutory requirements are met.

• Improve information available to tenants regarding their rights, complaint procedures, and applicable state laws.

• Establish a clearer complaint and referral process between City departments and law enforcement when facts may indicate the misappropriation of tenant utility payments.

• Review existing complaints and referrals involving utility-payment misappropriation or criminal blight and determine their current status.

• Strengthen enforcement of Shreveport's rental registry and certificate of occupancy requirements for apartment complexes.

• Review the City's habitability code and determine whether stronger implementation or updates are needed.

• Explore safeguards for properties with repeated utility arrearages, including legally permissible financial protections that could reduce the likelihood of tenants again facing utility disruptions.

  
  

The meeting also clarified that law enforcement generally needs a formal complaint to initiate an investigation. Participants discussed developing a more reliable process for City departments to refer potential violations when delinquent utility accounts and other information raise concerns about money collected from tenants for utility services under Act 231.

“We do not need another year of guessing what is possible and who can act,” said Representative Phelps. “If there is a complaint that needs to be made, let's make it. If there is an investigation that needs to occur, let's get it to the appropriate agency. If we discover a genuine gap in state law, I am prepared to work with my colleagues in Baton Rouge to address it. The goal is accountability and making sure our residents are protected.”

“We have heard the concerns from residents for far too long, and we have to make sure the laws and local tools already available are actually being used,” said Council Chair Tabatha Taylor. “This meeting gave us an opportunity to identify where enforcement can be strengthened and what additional steps the Council can take to support accountability.”Taylor raised concerns during the meeting about enforcement against chronic problem apartment owners and discussed additional tools that could be available to local government.

“Law enforcement needs a formal complaint and supporting information before we can begin an investigation,” Sheriff Henry Whitehorn said. “If those complaints are brought to us, we will review the facts, follow the evidence, and determine the appropriate next steps.” Whitehorn explained during the meeting that formal complaints are necessary and can even be made by the City of Shreveport and utility companies in order to initiate investigations.

The group committed to continuing to work collaboratively as local officials, legislators, and law enforcement partners to track the action items identified during the meeting and determine whether additional legislative action becomes necessary.