Hi Desert Real Estate Forum

San Bernardino County, Third District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger has proposed an ordinance that will require the licensure of all rental dwelling units in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.  The proposed fee is $50 annually per rental property (there are a few exceptions), plus fees for health permits or special inspections.

Additionally, the following stipulation will be placed on landlords:  "Be available, or have an authorized representative available by phone on a 24 hour/7 days a week basis to respond to calls/complaints, respond to such calls/complaints within 2 hours and commence any necessary corrective action within 24 hours"

The justification behind this proposal is that "There currently exist several substandard and unsanitary residential buildings and dwelling units within the incorporated area of the County.  The physical conditions and characteristics of these buildings render them unfit or unsafe for human occupancy and habitation, and can jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of their occupants and the stability of sound residential buildings and areas....".

It appears to me that there are a few bad landlords that should receive the attention of code enforcement instead of burdening every landlord with additional fees, which will ultimately be passed onto the tenants.

Supervisor Hansberger can be contacted at:

57407 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760) 228-5400
Fax: (760) 228-5401

Or visit his website http://www.sbcounty.gov/bosd3/contact.htm

I would love to hear from both owners and tenants regarding this issue.