To the editor:

There have recently been letters to the editor that question the value of a citywide rental registration and inspection program that expands to include all neighborhoods. The current city rental inspection program only covers single-family neighborhoods even though most rentals units and large complexes are located in multi-family neighborhoods. The present program has been in place for 12 years and has been effective in registering landlords and providing healthy and safe living units for tenants.

At present, less value seems to be placed on rental neighborhoods as there are no inspections and the burden of resolving issues in substandard units falls solely on the tenants. Renting units to the public is a business. It is logical that such units should be required to meet health, safety and environmental standards. Many businesses require inspections and a license to operate.

City staff has presented a program to the public and the City Commission that is fair, revenue-generating and results in little or no cost to the city. An expanded rental registration and inspection program should reflect the same standards that have been used for 12 years in single-family neighborhoods. The City Commission can take pride in implementing a citywide program that will benefit and protect our entire community.