Say NO to more governmental control...

It has come across my cyberdesk that the City of Everett is trying to join other cities around the Puget Sound Area in forcing "Inspections" on rental property. This is being done as a way of creating additional taxation for the City by using the excuse that the city is protecting its rental citizens from "slumlords." This is not the way to have better, safer, and cheaper housing in our communities. In fact, it is probably illegal under the Washington State Constitution.

It is believed that "Inspection Programs" constitute warrantless searches and violates the Fourth Amendment of the U. S. Constitution. Tenants are not second class citizens whose privacy rights may be violated. Local governmental agencies should not have unlimited access to rental housing. In 1994, the Washington Supreme Court, in McCready v. City of Seattle, unanimously struck down the City's assertion that it was legal to search a rental unit using an "administrative search warrant" issued by the City Municipal court without probable cause of Criminal activity.

We believe the cornerstone of safe housing is not inspections, but education. Informed tenants who understand their rights and responsibilities will protect property. Informed landlords will reciprocate to safeguard the welfare of a tenant who respects the property.

Furthermore, Inspection programs are costly to administer. Additional cost imposed on housing providers will only increase rents and make it more difficult for low-income tenants to find affordable housing. Tenants ultimately pay the cost.

The majority of rental owners are responsible citizens and landlords who equate the well being of their property with the welfare of their tenants. The rights of these responsible owners, and their tenants should not be compromised in an attempt to punish the irresponsible behavior of a tiny minority of landlords.

Existing state law and local housing, fire and health codes are sufficient to remedy any unsafe conditions that are found to exist. Problem properties will only be improved, and hopefully eliminated, by the consistent application of existing law and code by responsible local government entities.

The City of Everett already has an effective Crime Free Program with responsible rental property owners. A task force should have been created to discuss Everett rental housing concerns and issues. Unfortunately, and very disappointing, the City of Everett did not reach out and work with landlords before the introduction of this ordinance.

We all need to contact the Everett City Council and tell them NO to inspections. Below is a list of Everett Council contacts:

Everett City Council
Council Member Paul Roberts, T:(425) 257-8703, PRoberts@ci.everett.wa.us
Council Member Mark Olson, T:(425) 257-8703, markolson@ci.everett.wa.us
Council Member Arlan Hatloe, T:(425) 257-8703, AHatloe@ci.everett.wa.us
Council Member Ron Gipson, T:425 257 8784, rgipson@ci.everett.wa.us
Council Member Drew Nielsen, T:(425) 257-8703, DNielsen@ci.everett.wa.us
Council Member Brenda Stonecipher, T:(425) 257-8786, BStonecipher@ci.everett.wa.us
Council Member Shannon Affholter, T:(425) 257-8703, saffholter@ci.everett.wa.us

Regulation of our rental housing should be governed by reason - not greed. There is no need for this ordinance as there are other ordinances and codes that already regulate the rental housing industry. We do not need nor want more governmental control of our lives.