Rental inspection proposal a step forward

Given the fact that more than 10,000 of UM’s students rent in Missoula, there is something going on that we should know about. Renters’ rights are always a big concern, and because of the hard work of a number of locals, we’re about to take a serious step forward.

There has been a push in recent years for an inspection program for local renters and landlords. Most folks agree that it’s very important renters have a safe place to live and are educated about their rights. According to the 2000 census, roughly half of Missoula residents rent, compared with just over 30 percent statewide. This is a serious jump – more than is to be expected from a college town – and is likely due to the high cost of living and buying a home. 

In Missoula, a workable plan seems to have been reached to help ensure renter safety. A committee was formed and, amid much discussion, a new inspection proposal was born. Under the current proposal, a voluntary safety inspection would be available. The property owner or renter can request it at a cost of $35, and the property will be certified if passed. The process involves a checklist put together by the local fire department and building inspector about checking for and educating about health hazards ranging from fire danger and smoke detectors to water damage and mold growth.

The workgroup that put together this plan was open and involved a number of participants from a variety of groups citywide. Although the Missoula Realtors were invited to all of the meetings, they didn’t start participating until the group had something that looked like it would pass. In order to answer concerns of the Realtors and a few other groups, the proposal has undergone several revisions – sometimes making language more specific, and sometimes making it more general.

The problem is, some Realtors and property owners are still opposing it. Even though the proposal has been changed to better suit their requests, they’re still working to defeat it. According to Denver Henderson, director of the ASUM Off-Campus Renter Center, these folks are “not opposed to any specific part or any specific language of the proposal, but are opposed to any sort of enforceable program.” So they don’t attend planning meetings until something is going to be passed, amend the proposal like mad, and then continue to oppose because they don’t like it. These guys deserve a pat on the back for their obstinacy. Luckily, there seems to be good support of the proposal in the Missoula City Council, and it should pass unless a stalling tactic is used.

The proposal is very solid; we have an opportunity for the city to hire someone not just for passive inspection and enforcement, but for outreach and education as well. The Renter Center will have a partner in working for safe housing for students and will now have a bona fide method of showing renters that an apartment or home is safe for them to move into. We even have the University Area Homeowners Association on board, and anytime you get students and our neighbors on the same page, you know it has to be an outstanding program.