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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc - Grether (Rental Housing) 01-9-17December 27, 2016 Mayor Heidi Harmon City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street RECEIVE© JAN 0 9 2017 S!_C CITY CLERK San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Council Members: Aaron Gomez, Andy Pease, Carlyn Christianson, Dan Rivoire RE: Rental Inspection Ordinance Dear Mayor Harmon: Please consider changing the rental inspection policy in San Luis Obispo. It is expensive and contributes to the unaffordable rental situation in our city. I recommend that rental inspections be voluntary. When tenants enter into a rental agreement they can request a rental inspection. If the inspector does not discover any hazards or deficiencies, the tenant pays for the inspection. If faults are discovered the landlord must pay the inspection fee and the cost of correcting the problems. Smoke detectors should be dealt with differently. Many people remove batteries from smoke detectors and landlords should not be penalized. However, we all know that smoke detectors are very important. We as a community can help in creating a campaign reminding us all of their value in preventing fire damage and death. Last, there should continue to be a way for tenants to seek help from law enforcement when their landlords ignore complaints. The city staff could use their time wisely and follow up on such complaints. I lived in San Luis Obispo for 17 years, one of those years as a renter. I was not a student and I felt bullied by my landlord. Three of my grown children have rented in San Luis Obispo with varying degrees of satisfaction with overpriced rentals. Your best efforts to solve this controversial issue are appreciated. Sincerely, Claire Grether Pismo Beach, CA