Rental inspections in SLO are an unfair punishment

Rental Housing Inspection Program — good idea or overbearing?

I (like most of us) rented when I first came to San Luis Obispo, and personally never lived in an unsafe rental. The fact is that the vast majority of the rentals in this town will easily pass this unnecessary inspection. Money will be spent to employ additional inspectors (and of course the pension that these inspectors will someday enjoy). Where will this money come from? The inspection fees (taxes) that property owners who are already taking care of their properties are being forced to pay.

Instead of a costly program with additional employees, the problem could be solved by inspecting the homes that have violations using existing codes, without overburdening the people who are already playing by the rules. Go after the violators with a vengeance, but don’t punish those property owners who provide safe, clean, much-needed rental housing.

The people spoke at the last City Council meeting — and come November they will be using their voices at the ballot box. If you don’t like the fact that your leaders ignored your plea to fix this issue, vote someone in who will listen, and act responsibly with the city’s (your) money.

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 8:19 PM with the headline "Rental inspections in SLO are an unfair punishment."