JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi‘s largest city is considering changes to its rental ordinance including annual inspections of rental property, in an effort to scale back blighted rental housing in Jackson.
WLBT-TV reports changes could include requirements for landlords to register all rental property and to provide the names of tenants to town. Town could also require an annual $50 inspection, and require a registered agent of the property owner to live in Jackson.
“We now have come to the stark reality that our neighborhoods, a minimum of a few of them, are in a state of decline and that state of decline will proceed to spread to the opposite healthier neighborhoods,” said Chloe Dotson, Director of Planning and Development, said in a Thursday hearing before the Jackson City Council.
Dotson said an area registered agent would help town hold absentee property owners accountable. Town has widespread problems with abandoned property and dangerous rental units, stemming from a declining population and aging housing stock.
But lawyers and landlords warn requiring the names of residents be given to town could violate privacy laws.
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City Council members said they’d seek the advice of with lawyers and consider changes. The proposal could possibly be voted on as soon as Tuesday. It could take effect inside a month.
“What town of Jackson desires to do is be sure that unit stays in a livable condition, and it doesn’t decline over years,” said Councilman Aaron Banks.
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