AMHERST — Regular examinations of rental homes in Amherst that would be required in an updated rental permitting bylaw appear to have support from residents, even though some have questions about whether the town has the ability to undertake such a program.
As the Community Resources Committee continues to draft changes to the Residential Rental Property general bylaw, and propose adjustments to the registration, permit and inspection fees, those who spoke at a virtual public forum on Oct. 31 said officials are on the right path for better oversight of the nearly 1,100 parcels with rentals in Amherst that range from single-family homes to large-scale apartment complexes.
John Varner of Jeffrey Lane said he appreciates many of the revisions being considered in the town’s nearly decade-old bylaw, which currently requires a self-certification checklist and no periodic inspections, which are done when complaints are lodged.
But Varner said he wondered if the revisions will require both increased enforcement and bookkeeping, and has concerns that the town’s budget won’t be sufficient to meet this demand.
Similarly, Dan Sagalyn, who owns property on Lincoln Avenue, said it’s a good idea for inspections to be done, but also questioned if it will work in practice.
At-Large Councilor Mandi Jo Hanneke, who chairs the council subcommittee, said the concept is to have inspections done on every property within three years, but acknowledged that even should the council adopt a revised bylaw, it’s not an expectation that all properties will get that initial look.
“We know it will take time,” Hanneke said.
As for the budget, Hanneke said a goal is to self-fund the inspections requirement through adjusted fee structures.
The bylaw would affect the 1,079 properties in Amherst containing 4,379 apartment units. Under one plan, the new fees would include charging a fixed amount for each property, and more for larger properties, and charging a $150 inspection fee per property, with an added $5 for each unit.
A second plan would have higher initial fees, but cover the initial inspection, and then have a complaint inspection fee and re-inspection fee set at $150 per inspection plus $5 per unit inspected.
The bylaw also states that “every three years, each residential rental property shall be inspected,” though some could go five years between inspections if ownership is maintained.
A new problem property designation could lead to $300 per day fines, and permanent suspension of rental permits.
District 4 Councilor Pam Rooney explained that the revised bylaw aims to have safe and healthy homes for all renters, have a clear license process that is equitable, safeguard strong neighborhoods and address the town’s climate action goals.
The revisions exempt lodging houses, group homes and dorms affiliated with institutions of higher education.