Are proposed changes unconsitutional or just a good way to keep track of rental units?
By: Mark Moffa
?Mark Moffa?Staff Writer?
HIGHTSTOWN – Walter Sikorski agreed that the borough’s system for inspecting rental properties is flawed and in need of repair.
"But then the solution to it I don’t think is to be having an annual permit for a fee of $50 where someone can invade someone’s privacy just so someone can check some things," Mr. Sikorski said.
The topic of rental inspections, which was first broached by the Borough Council in July, was addressed Mr. Sikorski and other members of the public at last week’s council meeting.
The borough’s construction official, Harry Wetterskog, is seeking an ordinance that would allow borough officials to inspect rental units annually or every other year.
Currently, only facilities with four or more rental units are inspected every five years by the state. The borough only inspects apartments prior to the arrival of a new tenant.
Mr. Sikorski felt that the proposed ordinance would violate Fourth Amendment rights to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures.
Resident Gene Sarafin agreed.
"He would win that in court because I’d help him win it," Mr. Sarafin said.
But Jeffrey Bond, a planing board member who owns rental property in the borough, expressed his support for increased inspections.
Mr. Bond said that two-thirds of all landlords do not inform the borough when their tenants are moving out, as current ordinances stipulate. He estimated that between 600 and 700 rental units in Hightstown were not registered with the borough.
"We need to get something to compel the landlord to inform the borough when the tenants are moving in or out," Mr. Bond said.
"Why not have the $50 go toward registration and the inspection comes with it?" Mr. Bond said. "If you have an annual registration, you constantly would know where all the units are."
"Other municipalities are gradually going to an annual inspection or an 18-month inspection," Mr. Bond said. "Most of the landlords in town would welcome this."
Mayor Amy Aughenbaugh said Wednesday that Mr. Wetterskog will be at the council’s Sept. 18 meeting to address resident’s concerns.
She said that Mr. Wetterskog will discuss the possible revisions with the borough’s board of health prior to the Sept. 18 meeting.