West Carrollton landlords may face fine for missing deadline

About 2,500 housing units - nearly 42 percent of West Carrollton’s total housing - are rental properties, according to the city. NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF

About 2,500 housing units - nearly 42 percent of West Carrollton’s total housing - are rental properties, according to the city. NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF

About one-third of West Carrollton landlords have yet to register their rental property to comply with a new city inspection program that has a Friday deadline.

Most of the more than 300 unregistered rental unit owners live outside the city – or perhaps the state – and West Carrollton officials said they are making efforts to reach them to avoid a $150 fine and possible court action.

RELATED: City to vote on rental inspection without annual landlord fee

The city adopted the rental inspection program late last year as a way of maintaining and boosting housing stock.

West Carrollton has about 2,500 rental units across the city that makes up nearly 42 percent of its housing. From 2012 to 2015, 65 percent of all local code violations came from rental properties, according to the city.

RELATED: West Carrollton drops annual fee from rental inspection plan

The program was first proposed in the summer of 2015 with an annual fee required for rental property owners. The annual fee was dropped after more than a year of debate and negotiation with housing industry groups.

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