Welcome to the new blog portion of my website. I'm going to be discussing issues that arise in code enforcement and invite comments and ideas from you. In today's difficult economic environment, we're all struggling with how to perform our jobs with decreasing resources. We're being confronted with new challenges daily due to the foreclosure crisis (ever try to find a live person to speak with about pipes bursting in subzero weather in a foreclosed house with mold growing so bad the residence can't be salvaged?) In my practice as a municipal prosecutor, I deal with these questions daily. I'm also interested in how effective code enforcement can reduce crime in a community and I will be writing about that issue. While I can't give legal advice on this blog, I will be pointing out interesting cases that may be useful to you.Rental Inspection Ordinances - A Great Tool
A rental inspection ordinance that involves licensing landlords is a very effective tool in keeping property from falling into disrepair or worse. It’s one of the best ways to keep a lid on crime in a multi-family building. While many landlords oppose it at the beginning, successful ones eventually are won over as they see that negligent landlords have to raise their rents because they have to spend money on repairs. This takes away a competitive edge that they have had since they didn’t spend money on normal maintenance. Tenants benefit because they don’t have to be afraid of getting evicted if they complain about conditions as the local jurisdiction’s inspectors identify problem areas. It’s unfortunate that in Illinois, a local jurisdiction needs to be a home rule community to enact a rental licensing ordinance. There has been legislation proposed to allow all communities to pass these types of ordinances and I hope it becomes law someday. It would make my efforts so much effective to have this option when addressing crime ridden housing.
Category(ies): Code Enforcement, Law Enforcement and Codes, property maintenance
