A New Bedford City Councillor wants to give more power to landlords when it comes to evicting problem tenants.

Ward 6 Councillor Joe Lopes is asking the council to draft a home rule petition that would expand the existing state nuisance law to give landlords the authority to evict tenants that are involved in crimes related to the use or illegal possession of guns.

Lopes tells WBSM News the proposal would cut red tape for landlords looking to rid themselves of criminal tenants. "One of the things that we've heard in the past is 'We can never get rid of them. Our hands are tied.' Well, now let's look at a way we can untie their hands and take an excuse away from them to help the betterment of the entire city," says Lopes.

The proposal will be discussed at Thursday night's City Council meeting.

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