A resolution supporting state enabling legislation allowing for the creation of residential rental inspection districts.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Department of Codes Administration often has difficulty finding the owners of problematic rental property to investigate codes complaints; and

WHEREAS, over forty percent of occupied residential property in Davidson County is rental property; and

WHEREAS, a bill of local application is currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly that would allow the Metropolitan Council to establish residential rental inspection districts for the purpose of inspecting residential dwelling units on a periodic basis for compliance with the building, plumbing, electrical, fire and health codes; and

WHEREAS, the State of Virginia has adopted similar legislation allowing local governments to adopt rental inspection districts; and

WHEREAS, Williamsburg, Virginia has implemented a successful rental inspection program, which is credited with improving the worst rental property to ensure safe housing; and

WHEREAS, the State of Tennessee is second in the U.S. in fire deaths annually; and

WHEREAS, in the interest of the health and safety of the residents of Nashville and Davidson County, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee General Assembly enact legislation allowing the Metropolitan Government to establish residential rental inspection districts to ensure that rental property is maintained in a safe and habitable manner.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting SB3174/HB3202, which would allow the Metropolitan Council to adopt a rental inspection program to ensure safe housing for Nashvillians.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ginger Hausser