City Wants to Make it Illegal For Landlords to Do Own Repairs

handymanDo you need to be licensed and bonded to fix up your rental properties?

Ordinarily the answer is no, but if Omaha lawmakers have their way, landlords in that city will soon be studying for their contractor’s licenses.

According to a local news report, city officials received input from the construction industry before introducing the measure.

Officials say this law is needed to protect the public.

If the measure passes, landlords will need to pass the contractor’s exam, pay an initial $300 fee for the license, and pay the fee again to renew the license in subsequent years. They would also have to carry liability insurance coverage and be bonded.

The alternative to licensing is hiring out projects to licensed contractors, a move that some landlords say will eat up any profits they may be able to make from the rental property.

According to the report, homeowners would still be allowed to do work on their own homes.

One community member commented that the proposed law is a sign that government has gotten too big. She likens the measure to a requirement that stay-at-home moms have a day care license.

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