LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the first time, Louisville will conduct random rental inspections beginning in the summer. It's part of the Rental Registry program that Metro Council passed in 2022.
"Our goal is to maintain a safe and healthy living condition for everyone in this city; so we hope that you will be able to be home to meet our inspectors," said Richard Price, Director of Codes and Regulations, ahead of the June 1 deadline for rental registry registrations.
After that, random inspections will begin, with 7,000 expected in the first year.
"Because we do have folks who are in situations where they're nervous about calling themselves, about issues that they have," one of the ordinance's original sponsors, Councilman Rick Blackwell, said.
RELATED: 'Provide someone not just a house, but a home': BlockChange promotes west Louisville home ownership
The registry is also public, so anyone could contact a landlord in their neighborhood over concerns if they know the rental address.
Registration fees for single-family rentals are $25, while larger apartment complexes are $250 to register. Annual renewals are free for any landlord who goes the year without a property violation.
"I understand the city likes and wants affordable housing, but I'm doing my part," Janice Cusick said, critical of the program. She's a small-scale landlord who rents out three separate houses, charging around $1000 a month for each.
"With my tenants, they all have my phone number," she said, "I always stress if there's ever a problem, call me. And I send somebody. Immediately. So I don't see it changing anything."
RELATED: Here's how much you need to earn to comfortably afford a home in Louisville, according to new study
Cusick also said the program could discourage first-time landlords because of its complications.
"We don't want people living in sub-standard housing just so we can fill a number," Blackwell said. "It's gotta be good housing. And again, most of our folks who are renting are on that side of good actors."
These inspections require more inspectors. Codes and Regulations already hired 14 staff to handle those, but still have 10 open positions.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.