Some landlords oppose mandatory inspections

The city commission chambers in Northern Kentucky hosted a public hearing concerning legislation that would call for a mandatory inspection of all rental properties.

The mandatory inspections would take place once every four years and cost $120 per unit.
The idea of such a proposition is not favored by some landlords or University of
Cincinnati students.

“I’m a landlord, not a slumlord,” said Amy Gingrich, who owns rental property in Pleasant Ridge. “I want to do what is best for my tenants, but I have 11 units and that cost would be
an issue.”

“[The inspection legislation] would not influence whether or not I live there,” said Emily Rodgers, a third-year UC fashion design student.

Rodgers does not believe that landlords need frequent inspections to keep the tenants healthy.

“I currently have a Landlord who does surprise check-ups, and I love it,” Rodgers said. “It gives me motivation to keep my apartment in check and clean of anything that should not be there.”

Other landlords prefer to keep up with units as situations arise or as they see fit.

“Normally, we take calls if our tenants have any problems with their unit,” said Ray Ritchie, of Unique Campus Rentals. “If there are reports from the neighbors that one of our people had too large of a party, we’ll check its condition as soon as we can, along with a serious discussion with our tenants.”

Many of the landlords felt the costs of the inspection were not worth the preparation and perceived benefits. There seemed to be a similar consensus among students as well.
“My place is clean so why do I want higher rent?” said Jason Searcy, a UC alum.

Kasy Kusanke, a third-year UC fashion design student, believes that the main goal of a landlord should be the satisfaction of their tenants.

“The apartment complex should be up to health standards and should regularly be inspected monthly, but not for extra costs,” Kusanke said.

Landlords must adhere to all building and housing codes that affect health and safety, but that doesn’t necessarily negate a signed contract between a tenant and landlord. Renters should be aware that these contracts can alter the delegation of responsibilities to charge the tenant with maintaining housing codes that adhere to health and safety codes. If a landlord doesn’t comply, they can still advertise their property, according to the Kentucky Tenant-Landlord Law.

Lorrie Conway, spokesperson for Rent Media Solutions, said the responsibility of a unit’s upkeep or inspection is often left up to the tenants. The role of third parties in the apartment industry is regularly misconstrued.

“An apartment community’s appearance in any of our programs is not an endorsement by the company,” Conway said. “We do not intervene in the disputes that may arise between that community and its residents.” 

The University of Cincinnati partnered with city officials last August to initiate a landlord accreditation program for units in the Clifton, University Heights and Fairview Heights areas. To become an accredited property, the unit must pass city inspections for crime prevention, fire prevention and building safety.