Property inspections will displace people

I own “low-end” duplexes in San Luis Obispo that are subject to the new property inspections. Meeting the proposed inspection requirements, in my case, will be very expensive — costs that I must pass along to my tenants, if indeed, the units can be economically brought up to the proposed standards.

I have nonresidential options for my property, among which is a parking lot or professional offices.

My long-term tenants (10 to 20 years) will likely be asked to find new housing. If, indeed, any can be found.

The inspection program will: (a) result in the elimination of many low-end housing units, and (b) significant rent increases for those residences that must be “upgraded” to the city’s concept of appropriate housing.

This program is evidently based on the assumption that tenants are incapable of knowing what is acceptable housing.

The direct effect will be a reduction in the number of available rental units and cause rent increases for the remainder.

The gentrification of San Luis Obispo continues at the expense of the poor and marginal class.

Will the next step be a new city bureau to build subsidized housing for those displaced?

Shame, shame, shame.

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 8:28 PM with the headline "Property inspections will displace people."