HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-2015 PH1 BellLomeli, Monique
Subject: FW: Proposed Rental Housing Inspection ! RFCEIV :D
MAY 0 5 2015
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From: Barbara Bell [mailto:bbella53()gmail.com] ITEM NO.:—?W— �r
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2015 9:50 AM
To: Bell Barbara; Marx, Jan; Christianson, Carlyn
Cc: Ashbaugh, John; dcarpenter0)sloci1y.or; Rivoire, Dan; Mejia, Anthony; Johnson, Derek; Hermann, Greg
Subject: Proposed Rental Housing Inspection
Good morning ladies and gentlemen,
I understand you will be discussing a proposed Rental Housing Inspection Program this evening. I
wanted to share my concerns as I think this ordinance could be a mistake on several levels.
In the interest of transparency, I will tell you that I own several rental properties in the County and one
in San Luis Obispo. My properties are in pristine condition, rented to lovely adults, and I can afford
any fees the city might request. My thoughts here are not about me.
A. Looking at it through the lens of increased safety, I wonder how you would enforce the
adjustments you deem necessary, and I can't help but remind you that
The "right number" of occupants and the sturdiest of places will do nothing to hinder the problem of
foolish, self - centered behavior that causes injury or harm to people and places.
B. Looking at it from the perspective of someone who's privacy is compromised by a government
employee entering the premises, I wonder if you were renting a home and the city wanted to inspect
it ... how would that feel to you? Intuitively it doesn't feel right.
There are already mechanisms in place to curb unwanted behavior of rowdy, noisy, messy tenants,
and unsafe conditions caused by landlord neglect. Additionally, people can report their unsafe living
conditions if they need assistance.
C. From a financial perspective, this new ordinance, if passed, is an expensive proposition for
the City, and for the tenants who will bear the burden of increased rental costs.
You may encourage a few bad landlords to clean up their rough properties but, count on the cost of
those inspections to be passed on to tenants in the form of higher rents.
It's already hard enough to afford living here, particularly, for people starting out.
Please consider carefully the many far reaching effects of drawing new lines and stepping over them.
Sincerely,
Barbara Bell