Rental concerns voiced

City hears from residents about proposed ordinance

Eastlake City Council recently held a public meeting to give tenants and landlords within the city a chance to voice their thoughts over the proposed ordinance that would require the licensing of single-family residential rentals in the city.

The ordinance has been in discussion for approximately the past year. And, about 30 people — both tenants and property owners — were at council’s June 12 meeting, voicing their agreement, opposition and concerns.

The two concerns that repeatedly were raised were the licensing fee of $300 every two years and the privacy invasion many felt would result by requiring a building inspector to enter their homes.

Council President John Meyers explained that the licensing fee is the same as a business license and that landlords were essentially running a business. He also noted that the cost breaks down to $150 a year or 41 cents a day.

“For potential invasion of privacy, our building inspector has the right and has always had the right to enter a property,” Meyers said. “Under Ohio Revised Code if a building inspector came to your residence and requested to enter because he had a safety concern, and you stated that you would not allow him on the premises, he would have to go get a warrant in order to enter your property. So they cannot just walk in and enter your property. That would be no different under the proposed legislation.”

Others felt the licensing requirement would be a good thing in helping to ensure safer living conditions for renters and help keep property values by forcing property owners to maintain the properties.

Several property owners stated they bought rental properties as a supplement to their pension when they retire and the rental fees would cut into their incomes.

Mayor Dennis Morley said that he had received numerous calls about the ordinance.

“Possibly after the meeting the council would send it back to committee to work out between the landlords and the residents, “Morley said. “At this point my position is neither for nor against it.”

Law Director Randy Klammer reiterated that the ordinance was in a proposed state and the purpose of the public meeting was to give the community the chance to offer feedback and for council the chance to hear from the residents.

Steve Letterby, a property owner, believes the legislation is a good starting point, and he didn’t want to see it die in committee.

He said that he had previously fallen on hard times and rented his residence. So, he would like to see a one-year fee waiver for residents in similar situations, and the building department have a little leeway on the finances.

Deborah Jones, who owns two rental properties in the city, said that she bought the properties when the housing market was good and thought she

“There is a difference between an inspection and a search. In my opinion this ordinance is a search for existing tenants — checking an empty home to see if it’s in good condition for occupancy is an inspection. Looking for profits when the homes are occupied becomes a search.”

— Rich White

could use the them for income. Then the market crashed.

Jones said she could not afford the $600 the two properties would cost to license and would have to pass that cost on to her tenants. She also noted that wasn’t sure if she was for or against it at this time because she does not know that much about it.

Rich White considers to be the ordinance to be overreactive and would result in liability to the city and the city having to defend it constitutionality and result in class-action lawsuits.

“There is a difference between an inspection and a search,” White said. “In my opinion this ordinance is a search for existing tenants — checking an empty home to see if it’s in good condition for occupancy is an inspection. Looking for profits when the homes are occupied becomes a search.”

White also voiced his opinion that searching a family’s home for violations was an invasion of privacy and put families in the same category as criminals.

Chris Krajnyak, who rents a property in the city, stated she was excited about the idea, but she is unsure if she was in agreement with the current version of the ordinance.

“I have rented for 20 years and have no problem with somebody walking into my house and inspecting or whatever they need to do for my safety,” Krajnyak said. “If I have someone deliver something to my home or if I have the cable man at my house, they are coming into my private space.

“There is no difference than someone coming in scheduled with a 24 hour’s notice than someone delivering something to my home.”

She also pointed out that a lot of issues that are in this particular ordinance are already in city ordinances.

Nicole Burrington of Willowick stated that she was for the rental licensing as she moved out of Eastlake due to having what she said was one poor landlord after another who were not held responsible for the properties.

She moved to Willowick where she rented a house from a property owner who told her about the inspection fee and that they would split it $150 each and she did not have a problem with that. She said she realized it protected the landlord and it protected her.

“I would love to be able to move back to my city, but I am afraid I would get stuck with another crappy landlord,” Burrington said. “I would like to be able to trust them, but I would like to be able to hold them accountable for something. Maybe some adjustments need to be made. Maybe we can tweak this a little bit. I would like to see this go forward.”

Council President John Meyers feels that both the landlords and tenants provided City Council with both useful and pertinent information that they will evaluate and use going forward as they continue to modify this legislation.

Meyers noted that he saw that the mayor had some concerns and that he also has some concerns.

“As long as those concerns can be addressed and we can come up with something that is more palpable for everyone, I am hoping we can move this forward,” Meyers said.

“I’m hoping for a positive resolution. When we meet on Tuesday, we will plan and discuss some changes.

“Our intentions is to end up working with this and making it valuable for all involved moving forward.”

The Ordinance Committee will hold a meeting at 6 p.m., June 19, at City Hall, 35150 Lakeshore Blvd.

The public is encouraged to attend.