Smith Properties has been increasingly dominating the housing market in Hammond, generating numerous complaints from tenants. This prominence places an undue burden on renters who are unable to afford or find alternative choices. Adding to the distress, they are notorious for obscuring fees within leasing contracts and leasing properties riddled with pest and maintenance issues, making the homes borderline uninhabitable. Remarkably, this company continues these practices while maintaining an 'F' rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a pattern of unresolved tenant complaints.

Furthermore, Smith Properties has employed suppressive strategies to prevent freedom of speech, discouraging open dialogue about their business practices. A prime example is their controversial inclusion of clauses in leasing contracts that levy a $500 penalty for tenants who post negative comments about them on social media.

We believe that such practices are unethical and infringe upon basic human rights. We urge people to stand for tenant rights and push for an immediate scrutiny into Smith Properties' morally dubious practices and obscure contractual language. It's essential to dismantle this housing monopoly and demand transparency, thus ensuring that the people of Hammond, including students of Southeastern Louisiana University, have access to affordable and habitable homes without the fear of punitive action for expressing their concerns. Please sign this petition to call for change today.