Latest reader voices include responses to the city council’s 4-1 vote in favor of mandatory rental inspections, with some arguing inspections are needed to protect tenants and crack down on slumlords, while others argue the move is a government overreach that will cause landlords to pass added costs on to renters.
Question about code enforcement and rental inspections
[RE: Citrus Heights council votes 4-1 to move forward with mandatory rental inspections] Since those calling to complain about possible code enforcements cannot see inside the house or apartment, and they are usually not qualified to determine if the property is safe inside and all utilities functioning properly, how does this ordinance address the 1,300 calls to code enforcements? Usually code enforcements have to do with the outside of the dwelling. Unkept front yards, weeds and grass long and dry and fire hazards, cars on side walks, garbage/ garbage cans left out, construction without permit, new fences and other unsightly items usually get code enforcement calls.
-Jim Monteton, Citrus Heights
From Facebook:
Jackie H. — I think this is needed, but I also know rents will get raised even higher. I’ve lived in a duplex neighborhood for 23 years because, for the size, we couldn’t afford to buy a house and our rent was manageable. Our place was built in the 70’s and has never been inspected. We finally got our a/c unit replaced after 23 years (they installed an incorrect unit as we were moving in) and now our rent has been raised to reflect this. The siding is badly warped with holes in places and peeling, pulling away in others. Our fence is the original one and is also in desperate need of fixing. Our property manager and owners have viewed these issues and neither are concerned with fixing it. They would rather put quick-fix bandages on the worst of the problems than fix it… I’ve lived here a lot of years and have maintained it like my own home, but there are some things we simply can’t do and getting maintenance from my owners or property manager takes legal threats to make happen. I wish I could move, but the fact is that even with my horrible management and recent rent raise, I can’t afford to move.
Ashley S. — [D]epending on the standards they set, some landlords may avoid the area to avoid mandatory fixing costs. It’s not just the $95/year. It’s also whatever “violations” are required to be fixed or updated. Depends what they’ll be able to cite you for and the cost of citations as well. Just another perspective. I don’t agree one way or the other.
Lora G. — Maybe this will help keep the riff-raff out of renting residential homes with no accountability from the owner. We have owners that rent out to all sorts of shady characters with no concern to the long time residents who own their homes. The homes and yards at these rentals are not maintained and look trashed, abandoned and derelict. Dead trees, shrubs and dead three-foot tall weeds. Paint peeling off, and downed decrepit fences. Rats and multiple non-working cars parked on the street and driveway.
Larry T. — It ain’t none of their business I don’t know why they’re sticking their heads somewhere they don’t belong. The city should have nothing to do with privately owned domiciles, and apartments and duplexes.
Elyse M. — This will not improve anything in the city of Citrus Heights… just like it didn’t improve anything in Sacramento… What this is, is purely a revenue generator.
Pam N. — It’s about time; I really think it should be yearly, vigilantly, and if they raise the rent after repairs, fine the owner and make it hurt. Make [the] fine very high!
Cassandra N. — This increased cost will be pushed on the renters here… so, no, I’m not on board.
Mary A. — A lot of rentals are infested with so many bugs and no one does anything. It’s time, for the price that is being charged, to make things right .
Sue A. — Unfortunately the RENTERS will be paying for this one way or another! Rents are already unbelievably high!
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