Modesto will hold Monday its first of two meetings to gather public input on whether it should inspect apartments and other rental housing to ensure the meeting of basic health and safety standards, such as being free of vermin and having working plumbing.
Modesto officials are considering establishing a program that would allow the city to inspect rental properties to ensure they meet basic livability standards. City officials have said the annual cost to property owners would be low and owners in good standing could self-certify that their properties meet the standards.
Still, an official with Faith in the Valley — which works with disadvantaged communities — said rental inspection programs allow all renters to live in safe and decent housing, and some renters are too afraid to complain about substandard conditions.
