2025 Pro Active Rental Inspection Petition                        

Safe and Healthy Housing

To: City Council
Subject: Petition for Proactive Rental Inspections and Funding for the Program

We, the undersigned residents of Morehead, Kentucky, are writing to express our strong support for the establishment of a Proactive Rental Inspections Ordinance. We believe that ensuring safe and healthy living conditions for all residents is a fundamental right.

Background:
Many residents in our community face challenges related to substandard housing conditions, which can lead to health risks, safety hazards, and decreased quality of life. Proactive rental inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become serious problems. By implementing regular inspections, we can ensure that all rental properties meet safety and health standards, protecting both tenants and the community at large.

WHY THIS MATTERS:
• 66% of our neighbors rent their homes
• Renters are living with mold, broken heating, pest problems, and unsafe conditions
• Current complaint-based systems put the burden on tenants, risking retaliation
• Regular inspections prevent problems before they harm families
• Similar programs in other rural communities have improved housing quality and increased economic development

We urge the City Council to take the following actions:

1. Create an Ordinance for Proactive Rental Inspections:

• Establish a program that mandates regular inspections of rental properties to ensure compliance with health and safety codes.

• Create clear health and safety standards landlords must meet.

• Focus on identifying issues such as toxic mold, pest infestations, structural problems, electrical problems and inadequate heating or plumbing.

• Establish penalties and enforcement of said penalties for non compliance with Pro Active Rental Inspection Ordinance.

• Protect tenants from displacement and landlord retaliation.

1. Allocate Funding for the Program:

• Provide necessary funding to support the implementation and ongoing operation of the rental inspection program.

• Ensure that the program is adequately staffed with trained inspectors to carry out thorough evaluations.

2. Engage the Community:

• Involve community members in the development and implementation of the ordinance to ensure it meets the needs of residents.

• Provide educational resources to landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities regarding rental properties.

By signing this petition, I support creating and funding a Proactive Rental Inspection Program to ensure safe, healthy housing for all Morehead residents.  We urge the City Council to prioritize the health and safety of all residents.

For more information or to get involved:

Annette HInes
KY Tenants
annette@kytenants.org
https://kytenants.org

@kytenants Twitter/ IG/ FB

Donate: https://linktr.ee/kytenants

*By providing your information, you agree to be contacted about this campaign.

This petition is sponsored by KY Tenants, a community group working for safe and affordable housing in Kentucky.