Proposal in Works to Fine Problem Landlords in Springfield
Anybody can make a mistake and get a citation or two, but the measure put forward by Ward 5 Alderman Andrew Proctor deals with chronic repeat offenders.
Under the ordinance, landlords who own multiple rental properties would face stiff penalties after getting three violations in one year. They would face an additional $500 fine for each violation, plus additional penalties each day the violation continues.
But Proctor admits his proposal needs to be clearer when it comes to who exactly would be fined. For example, should citations be proportional to how many properties you own.
“If you have 100 citations a year but you’re not violating them, you’ve corrected all the citations you’d be a chronic offender because you have citations every year or should it just be violations that you have not abated the issue but you pay a fine for violating it and we take collective action for you,” he said.
Proctor said he will be working with community leaders to make sure the ordinance he puts forward will be fair to landlords.
On the other hand, landlord Doug Rathbun said he thinks situations should be handled case by case and that an ordinance isn’t necessary.
“If a landlord takes care of his property and should they receive a citation and take care of the matter in a timely manner, it should not be considered against him regarding nuisance properties,” said Rathbun.
Source: foxillinois.com
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