Reject rental inspection

The Spokane neighborhood councils and the city are considering a rental inspection program. If this inspection law passes, rest assured that the cost would be passed along, as well as all cost to repair, update or correct any deficiencies.

Should anything not be “compliant,” then what? If landlords cannot afford to make the repairs, updates or whatever, then the tenant will be evicted? Who will then be responsible to find replacement habitat, and who will be found in violation of the lease and held responsible by the courts?

While the intention is admirable, I expect that this would create a huge low-income housing shortage in Spokane. After being annexed into the city against my will, this would be yet one more reason to stop renting and start selling properties.

It is fine that Spokane Housing inspects properties prior to the clients occupying properties, but it is none of the city’s business. How about the same inspection on private homes before people are allowed to purchase them if we are so concerned? Low-income housing must be safe and clean, but consider cause and effect as you may well hurt the very people you wish to help the most.

Ken Withey

Hauser, Idaho