An ordinance drafted by the BG Administration recently regarding health and safety inspections for rental housing in the city includes a statement that landlords will do health and safety self-inspection of their rental properties. Self-inspection by landlords is already in place and does not work. Self-inspection by landlords needs no legislative action. Responsible landlords are already regularly inspecting their rentals, just like they do their own homes for health and safety concerns. In their homes, they make repairs immediately when the roof leaks, when a window/door is damaged or there is some problem with the AC, heating, water or wiring.
However, city council is discussing the issue, drafting legislation and receiving letters like this (from the public) because too many landlords are not acting to correct rental property health/safety hazards on their own. Unhealthy, unsightly rentals cause renters anxiety, can make them physically ill and many have nowhere to go for help. BGs reputation as a good place for people to rent has been tarnished. This absence of landlord oversight makes rentals an eyesore –a blight in our neighborhoods.
The proposed legislation puts the burden totally on renters to request repairs, to advocate for themselves and put their homes, the rentals in jeopardy. Renters may leave when their leases are up, only passing the problems on to subsequent renters. Since landlords decide to make rentals a business, they have rights – to charge rent and damage deposits and responsibilities – to keep their properties in good repair and safe for renters. If this doesn’t happen, our local government, city council must step in and regulate housing inspections so that every citizen in BG has safe housing.
The comprehensive plan proposed by city council member, Jeff Dennis speaks more effectively to the issue of safe rental housing in Bowling Green. The proposal includes an inspection of every rental unit. Property owners passing inspections need do nothing else for 5+ years while units not passing health/safety standards would incur penalties and must make repairs before they can be rented again. The entire program is revenue neutral, cost to landlords is minimal (a $25 registration fee) and there is little cost to the city. Nearby Ohio communities already have similar mandatory housing inspections in place.
Please do your part as members of the community: to tell your stories as renters, to support mandatory health/safety inspections and to help make BG a safe and healthy place for all who choose to live here.
Health/Safety Inspections of rental properties will be discussed at upcoming city council meetings on these dates — Sept.20, Oct.4 and Oct. 18.
Penny Evans-Myer
Bowling Green
