EDITORIAL: Fix the program, fix it right and don’t give up

Given the multitude of problems Superior has encountered with its rental licensing program, you’d think the city was pioneering the legislation. In fact, it’s very late in joining the bandwagon of municipalities nationwide that already have working programs. Which raises the question: Why couldn’t we learn from their successes and mistakes?

A city council committee will again tackle the issue next week, hopefully with enough information at hand to perform some basic calculations. How many units must be inspected (excluding ones already monitored by other governmental units)? What will the program cost? How much should landlords be charged per unit?

Despite some complaints, the program must be continued. Although Superior has many excellent landlords and property managers, it also has been plagued by those who prey on the poor by offering cheap slum property. Fortunately, their numbers on decline. But the city needs strong ordinances so it can send new slumlords packing.

Like every government program, this one isn’t free. The benefits, however, are worth the price. Superior needs to rid itself of unsafe, uninhabitable rental properties, and those who offer them for rent.

Tags: city, council, rental, licensing, landlords, slumlords