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Councilmember Look stated that anyone can call for an inspection whether it be a homeowner or <br />a renter. He suggested staff could send a letter out to all rental properties and offer an inspection. <br />If we want to market current renters that's okay but it should be their decision to have the <br />property inspected. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that's what he is thinking this option needs. <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that the cost of doing business is you need an inspection when you <br />rent. He is not an advocate for inspecting personal housing. He thinks the theory is "I will look <br />out for the best interest of my family" in choosing a home to buy. He suggested inspecting rental <br />property is a good thing. There is a privacy concern but balancing the safety factor against <br />private intrusion would make it a good thing. He added that he is not an advocate for staff to <br />focus on things like a broken the or something like that -that's discretionary. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated he did not have a problem with requiring inspections for apartment <br />complexes and no problem with empty apartments. He also did not have a problem with <br />inspections if someone called for one and if there was a compliance problem that the landlord be <br />fined. <br />Councilmember McGlone suggested that State law mandates multi-dwelling units. In response <br />to Councilmember Dehen's comments about the cost of doing business in Ramsey, he stated he <br />is already paying extra because he cannot homestead a home he rents out. Multi-dwelling units, <br />as stated in State law, says it's voluntary and if the tenant wants an inspection, the tenant pays for <br />it. <br />Planning Manager Miller talked about meeting with MHA and the free packets of information <br />they have as well as the tenant booklets we already have. <br />Mayor Ramsey brought up the exterior maintenance ordinance again and stated that it is <br />important to keep the property up. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that multi-family inspections of empty units should happen and that <br />every four years a flyer could go out inviting tenants to call the City of Ramsey for an inspection. <br />Councilmember Wise added that the renter would pay for the voluntary inspections; however, if <br />there are code violations that don't get taken care of, that fee would be paid back to the City. <br />That would protect our renters. <br />Ms. Miller inquired if this is just for multi-family units. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated for any rental under one roof. <br />Councilmember Dehen asked if there are any objections to having multi-family then and not a <br />single family home. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated it doesn't matter if it's occupied whether it's multi-family or single family. <br />City Council Work Session -May 4, 2010 <br />Page 9 of 13 <br />