NEW PORT RICHEY — Owners of residential rental property are likely to a get a lot more scrutiny from the city starting Jan. 1.
During a meeting Tuesday night, the New Port Richey City Council unanimously approved on first reading an ordinance that will establish an inspection program requiring residential rental property owners to meet a laundry list of criteria regarding the condition of the exteriors of their houses. A second reading is scheduled for Aug. 4.
The goal of the program, according to City Manager Debbie Manns, is to take on blight that is rampant in the city and to raise property values. Manns and city staffers crafted the plan in response to repeated complaints from City Council members over rundown properties dotting the city, where the housing stock is more than 50 percent rentals.
“What we are attempting to do is raise the bar,” said council member Judy DeBella Thomas.