City will require landlords to pay a per-unit fee

A rental registration program will improve the quality of life in the city’s neighborhoods by requiring landlords to keep their property in good shape, Mayor Jay Williams said today.

But one property owner is concerned about the program.

The city will mail letters beginning Monday to the owners of about 6,000 rental properties requiring them to pay $20 per unit for an annual rental-property license.

If a property is a multifamily dwelling, landlords would pay $20 for the first unit and $15 for additional units in the structure.

Landlords have till June 30 to register with the city.

“It looks like another tax,” said Michael Anderson of Gander Properties that owns two apartment buildings with 150 total units on Gypsy Lane. “You’re decreasing the incentive for someone to move into the city.”

The mayor acknowledged the program isn’t perfect and that adjustments will probably be made in the future.

While there are many good landlords in the city, Williams said, “There are dozens and dozens of irresponsible landlords who don’t make repair” or “make sure tenants have a nice place to live.”

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com