This article in the Wall Street Journal describes a scenario we’ve been seeing recently, owner occupied property in distant suburbs turning into rental neighborhoods. It’s entitled, In the Exurbs, the American Dream is Up for Rent. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123845433832571407.html
Local governments need to be ready for this change by adopting rental inspection programs that includes single family homes. By making sure that minimum standards are met from the beginning of this changeover, cities and towns can take steps to make sure that these rental properties don’t have an adverse effect on the quality of life in those communities.
Before I came to this municipality, they had a rental program being administered by a private company — good intentions gone awry. In the last 18 months, we’ve brought it in-house and are in high gear. Landlords appreciate the uniformity of our approach as well. Lately, I worked with state of Michigan representatives to introduce a bill that wouild allow us to exert our rental program onto the mobile home parks as well. It’s looking very hopeful.
@Ralph Welton
Ralph,
I appreciate your comments. Good luck with that change in Michigan law. How great you have supportive landlords. We always have lots of resistance from landlords when my clients try to pass one.