Councilman Gardina has introduced what looks like good legislation to address problem rentals. Anyone who is concerned about rowdy renters or who has some nearby can participate in the work session mentioned below.
Dear Community Leaders,
In past years, I worked very hard to get the Rental Housing Registration Legislation enacted in Baltimore County. I believe that it has brought forth some positive changes, but many of you realize first hand that more needs to be done.
Councilman Kevin Kamenetz and I have listened to the concerns and frustration you experienced when dealing with rental properties in your communities. After events like Towson University’s Tigerfest, we were as frustrated as you that more could not be done to make these Landlords accountable for the sometimes egregious behavior of their tenants.
I hope that you will be pleased to learn that Councilman Kamenetz and I have sponsored the attached legislation that would, indeed, make those landlords accountable for the behavior of their tenants. This legislation will allow for the rental license to be revoked if there are more then two animal control law violations, disorderly conduct violations, disturbance of the peace violations, disorderly house violations, dangerous substance abuse violations, health violations, alcohol violations, or public nuisance violations in a six month period (after notice has been made to the landlord of the initial two violations).
This Bill was introduced at last night’s Legislative Session. It will be discussed at the July 27, 2010 Work Session at 2 p.m. Final Reading and Vote will occur at the Legislative Session on August 2, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
We ask for your support of this legislation. If any of you are able to testify in support of this bill at the July 27th Work Session, that would be ideal. The Work Session takes place in the Plum Room, adjacent to the County Council offices, on the 2nd floor of the Old Courthouse in Towson. Please feel free to contact my office at 410-887-3384 with any questions.
Sincerely,
Vince Gardina
I was slightly confused so I asked him this:
Hi Councilman Gardina,
To clarify, could the license be revoked by a combination of any two infractions? For instance, one disorderly conduct violation and one alcohol violation?
Thanks!
Kris
His reply:
After 2 infractions (a combination of any of those violations listed), the landlord would be given notice that if there is a 3rd infraction in the 6 months that follow, then the license could be revoked.
To read the legislation, click here.