SARTAIN CALLS FOR MAJOR RENTAL REFORM

Today candidate for Raleigh City Council, Lee Sartain, announced major changes for two programs impacting rental properties in the city of Raleigh. Sartain is calling for major reforms to the Probationary Rental Occupancy Permit (PROP) program and the Raleigh Rental Dwelling Registration Ordinance.

The Raleigh Rental Dwelling Registration Ordinance was passed by city council in July 2008 to generate revenue for a city database of rental properties. Currently, the aims of program fall short of the needs of renters and property owners. Sartain’s proposal would morph the database into a tool that would aide property owners in identifying problem tenants and properties.

The current Rental Registration Ordinance does not act as a tool to aide property owners in maintaining safe and healthy rental properties for their tenants. Reforms would link the database to public safety and health information so property owners can identify problems before they reach levels that require city intervention.–Lee Sartain

Sartain is also proposing major reforms to the Probationary Rental Occupancy Permit (PROP) program. The aim of the PROP program is to address “problem rental properties.” However, the current program blends several housing issues together, including problem tenants. Currently PROP shoulders the burden of problem tenants on property owners. To carry out the expectations of PROP requires landlords to violate tenant privacy rights protected by state and federal law. Reforms will hold nuisance tenants responsible for their actions, while enabling property owners to maintain the health and safety of the residence.

A Blue Ribbon commission consisting of members of the City Planning Commission, community groups, and representatives from various property management groups would be formed to make full recommendations for reform. The goal of the commission will be to bring comprehensive reform that works for tenants and property owners. For more information on Sartain’s proposed reforms see http://www.sartainforraleigh.com. A campaign media kit is also available at http://www.sartainforraleigh.com/news/mediakit.zip.