Rental codes

To the editor:

The recent article about a rental code violation regarding unrelated people living together drew my interest. We have had problems with rental property next to us. The city of Lawrence recently condemned the property for human habitation because of many code violations.

Over many years, the early 1900s home has become neglected, depreciated, unsightly and a frustration. We have endured an owner that is indifferent to our concerns and disinterested in how it affects the value of our home, tenants that are both hostile and inhospitable, trash, weeds, rodents, etc.

Why was this property not dealt with earlier by the city? We made several calls. What are the regulations regarding and governing how rentals are to be brought into compliance and be a vital part of our community? What are the timelines that rental owners must meet to ensure timely compliance to code violations? Do we as homeowners and neighbors have rights, and what are they?

I think all rental property should have to meet code regulations as set forth by the city, regardless of the age of the property! Rentals should represent a value, not an eyesore to the neighborhood and community in which they exist.

It is my hope that the city will work together to improve rental deficiencies so we may all enjoy our community, living in a peaceful, safer, more cohesive community.

Charlene Hodge,

Lawrence