Introduction to the Issue
A South Florida property owner is raising concerns about fees landlords in North Lauderdale are required to pay for inspections he says the city isn’t performing. Evan Slatkin, who owns a rental property in the city, pays an annual $63.60 fee to renew his rental license. That includes $32 specifically designated for an inspection. But despite paying the fee year after year, he says the city has refused to conduct the inspections.
The Concerns Raised by Slatkin
Slatkin says the city did complete an initial inspection of his property in 2021, but none since. He shared with NBC6 emails from a North Lauderdale code compliance officer. In the exchange, the officer explained that “the city does not conduct annual inspections unless there is a call in complaint or suspicion of any health and safety issues.” The officer later said he was told by higher-ups that North Lauderdale has the right to charge the annual fee regardless of whether the inspection takes place.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, inspections were put on hold, according to the email thread. Slatkin says in their place, landlords have been required to sign an affidavit certifying their rental units are up to code.
Safety Concerns and City Response
Slatkin argues the practice raises safety concerns. “It’s the principle and the safety issue. All these units are going uninspected, but landlords are still paying for an inspection as part of the license,” he said. When asked about the concerns, North Lauderdale City Manager Michael Sargis told NBC6 in an email that property owners have the option to either sign the paperwork and forego an inspection or they can request one. Slatkin insists that it was not the message he received from staff when he asked for his own inspection. “I said, I would like to have the inspection that I’m paying for. They said, ‘we’re not doing inspections unless we need to,’” he said.
City’s Promise to Review the Process
After NBC6 Investigates contacted the city, the manager said he could not confirm what Slatkin had been told previously but promised to ensure staff are clear on the process going forward. He added that the city has a rental inspector on staff and said someone would reach out to schedule an inspection at Slatkin’s property. Still, Slatkin says the larger issue remains. “Just all I ask is if I’m going to pay for an inspection, do the inspection.” In an email to the city, Slatkin raised concerns about other property owners who have paid for inspections they have not received and whether the city would consider issuing refunds or credits for fees collected without inspections. The city manager responded, saying the city “will be doing a deep review of the ordinance and the process.”
Conclusion
The situation in North Lauderdale highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in local government practices, especially when it comes to fees paid by citizens for specific services. Slatkin’s case underscores the need for clear communication between the city and property owners regarding the inspection process and the fees associated with it. As the city reviews its ordinance and process, it will be crucial to address the concerns of property owners like Slatkin to ensure that the system is fair and serves the purpose of maintaining safe and compliant rental properties.
FAQs
- Q: What is the issue with North Lauderdale’s inspection fees?
A: The issue is that property owners are being charged for inspections that are not being performed. - Q: How much does Evan Slatkin pay annually for his rental license, including the inspection fee?
A: Slatkin pays $63.60 annually, with $32 of that specifically for an inspection. - Q: What did the North Lauderdale code compliance officer say about annual inspections?
A: The officer said the city does not conduct annual inspections unless there is a complaint or suspicion of health and safety issues. - Q: What has the city promised to do in response to Slatkin’s concerns?
A: The city has promised to review its ordinance and process regarding rental inspections and fees. - Q: What is Slatkin’s main concern regarding the inspection fees?
A: Slatkin’s main concern is the principle of being charged for a service not received and the potential safety issues due to lack of inspections.
