In an initiative aimed at enhancing tenant safety and ensuring compliance with health standards, John Garrett, an At-Large City Councilor in Greenfield, has introduced a proposal for a rental registry. This ordinance, if approved, would require landlords in the city to register their rental units, thereby facilitating regular inspections and oversight.
The concept for this ordinance was developed following a citywide housing count led by Garrett alongside fellow councilor Sara Brown, Susan Worgaftik, the Housing Greenfield Coordinator, and Amy Cahillane, the Community and Economic Development Director. Garrett noted the importance of understanding the quantity and status of rental units, stating, “There’s been a longtime issue with not knowing, for the purpose of assessment, how many units are in buildings.” He pointed out that properties originally designed as two-family homes have often been subdivided into multiple smaller units, complicating assessments.
Addressing Tenant Concerns
Garrett expressed that one of the prevalent concerns among residents is the potential for corporate landlords to dominate the housing market, leading to substandard living conditions. He described the existence of “slumlords” in the city who exploit vulnerable tenants. “This is an attempt to basically close the gaps that allow them to continue operating with impunity,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability among landlords.
Under the proposed ordinance, landlords who own more than six rental units would be mandated to have their properties inspected by the Health Department every five years. Additionally, a registration fee of $15 will be required. Should inspections reveal any issues, landlords will be allotted a period of 90 days to rectify these problems. They will also have the right to appeal findings they believe to be erroneous through the Board of Health.
Garrett clarified that the ordinance is not intended to penalize small, responsible landlords. “I try to be as generous as possible so folks who are not a giant landlord don’t get destroyed financially for making repairs,” he stated. He aims to balance the need for additional housing with the imperative that tenants enjoy safe and dignified living conditions.
Committee Review and Landlord Feedback
Garrett presented the proposed rental registry during a meeting of the Appointments and Ordinances Committee, attended by Chief Assessor Christina Summers, who was available for inquiries. Katherine Golub, the chair of the committee, suggested that any health code violation fees imposed on landlords be added to their property tax bills, a practice already in place for other fees, according to Summers.
Summers noted, “There’s a fee associated with those income and expense reports that we send out every year. If residents don’t return them, we do charge them a fee of $250 and it does go on their tax bill.” She indicated that integrating such fees into the property tax system could be manageable if the ordinance is approved.
Garrett has engaged with landlords regarding the proposed ordinance and reported mixed feedback. While some landlords have shown support, others see the measure as fair and necessary. He encourages public discourse on the topic, inviting residents with questions to reach out to him directly at 413-203-9453.
In closing, Summers commended Garrett’s efforts, stating, “This is a huge, momentous effort. I think it will really benefit a lot of things, and it’s really well-written.” She expressed optimism that the ordinance will enhance the overall quality of housing in Greenfield.
