BY ANDY TAYLOR
chronicle@taylornews.org

City commissioners received an earful Monday night from local landlords who are concerned about a proposed rental standard law.

Commissioners are considering a new ordinance that, if implemented, would require a $25 permit for each landlord who owns properties in Coffeyville as well as inspection of rental properties. The ordinance also will allow tenants to notify city officials of problems with their rental properties that, if left unaddressed by the landlord, could result in a $500 fine to the landlord.

The proposed ordinance did not sit well with as many as five local landlords who voiced their concerns Monday.

“It seems that this proposal can run a landlord ragged just by hearing complaints from the tenants,” said local property owner and landlord Gordon Burrows, 1012 W. Fourth.

Burrows also said that if local landlords are subject to inspection in the proposed ordinance, then the City of Coffeyville should also inspect all other properties.

He said the City of Independence recently researched the possibility of creating a rental standard policy but backed away due to concerns from landlords. He said Coffeyville should follow Independence’s example.

“It was something more than what the city wanted to take on,” said Burrows.

Mayor Alec Hendryx said the intent of the proposed ordinance was to protect renters from unscrupulous landlords who do nothing to bring their properties to minimum housing codes. The City of Coffeyville ready subscribes to minimum housing standards for all properties, he said. However, the proposed ordinance — through its permit system — will provide for a system of inspecting rental properties whenever complaints are made known to city officials, he said.

“The intent of this discussion is to see how we can try to protect the landlord, the renter and the city,” said Hendryx. “We want all housing to abide by the minimum standards of the housing code in the city of Coffeyville.”

Larry Frederick, a Coffeyville real estate agent and also owner of several rental properties, said landlords will have an easy way to not meet the minimum housing standards — simply sell the rental property to the tenant on a contract.

“I don’t think you’ll be protecting the renters doing this,” cautioned Frederick. “You are just pushing more of the burden on the landlord.”

Asked what the City of Coffeyville should do to the most serious landlords who violate minimum housing codes, Fredrick said the answer should rest with common sense.

“Let the renter move out,” he said, adding that the market would further dictate the success of rental properties. “There are other places to rent in Coffeyville. You don’t have to live in a rathole.”

Stan Bryan, a local landlord and pastor from Welch, Okla., said he feared the proposed ordinance would be unfair to landlords.

“If it is so important to bring every house up to standard, then be true to your point and go into everyone’s house, not just the landlords’ rental properties,” said Bryan.

Bryan also said the added regulation went against the prevailing mood of America, which he described as being for fewer regulations.

“Our country is not in the mood for more regulation,” he said.

Commissioner Jim Taylor, Sr., voiced opposition to the proposal, saying it was unnecessary due to existing ordinances that deal with minimum housing standards.

“We have the law. We have the code. It’s just up to us to enforce it,” Taylor said.

Based on a recommendation from city manager Jeff Morris, commissioners agreed to hold a work session on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011, to listen to more comments from landlords and consider changes to the proposed ordinance.

The ordinance was recommended to the commission by the Coffeyville Planning and Zoning Commission, which will be invited to attend the Jan. 18 work session to provide additional input.

Implementation of a rental standard ordinance was among the recommendations of the City of Coffeyville’s comprehensive plan, which was adopted in May. The sub-standard condition of many rental properties was cited in an analysis as one of the biggest challenges confronting the Coffeyville community.