But borough council has the power to pass an ordinance that would give borough renters the right to withold their rent until repairs are made. There is no logical argument against giving renters this opportunity. Also, since the money is placed in escrow, it accrues no interest. Under this format, no one has an unfair advantage. The landlord gets the rent, and the tenant gets the necessary repairs.
Security deposits act as a sort of insurance policy to protect the landlords from property damage.
Renters should be afforded the same luxury. The council already neglected student interests by excluding student status from the fair housing ordinance. They should avoid making the same mistake twice.