An expansion of Lawrence’s rental registration program will require a larger than anticipated fee increase, if commissioners want the program to pay for itself.

City Hall staff members are now estimating that a program to inspect all rental property that is at least 50 years old will require landlords to pay a $60 annual fee for each qualifying piece of rental property they own. Originally, the city had estimated requiring a $40 fee.

City commissioners have yet to decide whether to move forward on the program and are asking residents, landlords and others to chime in on the proposal in early January.

“We think it can be an important program,” said Brian Jimenez, the city’s codes enforcement manager. “We think it is important that tenants know there are some minimum housing safeguards that will be in place.”

But the program may face questions from city commissioners. Mayor Mike Dever said he continues to question whether now is the right time for the program.

“I think there will be people concerned about us adding more government at this point in time, especially with the economy being where it is at,” Dever said.

The city estimates it will cost about $150,000 per year to operate the program. The bulk of the expense involves hiring two inspectors and an administrative support specialist to oversee the paperwork.

Jimenez estimates the program would add about 2,500 new apartments and rental homes that the city would be responsible for inspecting at least once every three years.

Currently, the city is responsible for inspecting about 2,000 single-family homes that are used as rentals. Members of the Oread Neighborhood and other neighborhoods that have high numbers of rental properties have urged commissioners to adopt the program.

The rentals in many of those neighborhoods are not zoned single-family and thus are exempt from the current inspection program. Those rentals would be inspected under the proposed program if they are at least 50 years old.

The inspections would look for a variety of violations, ranging from electrical problems to fire code violations. Jimenez said the inspections could result in some significant safety improvements, such as eliminating basement apartments that do not have proper fire escapes.

Commissioners said they support the safety aspects of the program but are hesitant to add extra city employees or new costs during a tight economy.

“With the economy the way it is, everybody is cutting back,” Commissioner Mike Amyx said. “Adding more staff right now is something that makes you stop and think.”

Commissioners want to hear from the public at a series of upcoming events. Individuals can schedule one-on-one meetings to discuss the program with Jimenez on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 832-3111.

Staff members also will be conducting a question-and-answer session at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.