City Council attempting to make landlords responsible for rentals

Pittsburgh City Council members said they're determined to hold landlords responsible for the condition of their properties, but balked at voting on a retooled rental registration policy until they can have a lengthy discussion with their lawyers behind closed doors.

Council on Wednesday decided to delay for one week a preliminary vote on a rental registration ordinance that would replace a similar ordinance adopted in 2007. The current law, the target of a continuing legal challenge by landlord groups, has never been implemented.

Assistant city solicitor Michael Kennedy said the revised ordinance would end litigation over the current law. But he said landlords wouldn't like all of the provisions of the new ordinance, either, and might bring another suit.

Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak said she hesitated to support a measure that would subject the city to additional "legal entanglements," while council President Darlene Harris said she doesn't want "to see the legislation watered down as much as it is now."

"We have slumlords in a lot of our communities," Mrs. Harris said. "They don't live anywhere around where they have their property."

The initial ordinance required landlords to obtain an annual permit, costing $12, for each rental unit. The revised ordinance would require a $12 per-unit permit every other year.

The initial ordinance allowed the city to inspect a property if it received a complaint about a violation of any local ordinance or state law there. The revised ordinance would permit an inspection if the city believes the rental unit doesn't meet "habitability" requirements.

Mrs. Harris and other council members said they must stop landlords who contribute to neighborhood decay. Councilman Bill Peduto said some landlords "basically use these properties as an ATM to make money."

"At some point, we're going to have to put a line in the sand," Mr. Peduto said.

He said landlord groups that sued the city over the initial ordinance are defending irresponsible ownership practices. "The good guys are protecting the bad guys, unfortunately."

Mr. Kennedy declined to answer many of council's questions about the lawsuit and the revised ordinance. Citing the number of questions she and other members have, Mrs. Harris said council would set aside two hours for an executive session on the issues.

First published on October 28, 2010 at 12:00 am