With rentals composing more than half of all properties in Manhattan, one would assume the city has strict rules in regards to rental inspections. However, compared to other cities of similar size, this is far from the case.
In fact, Manhattan does not make rental inspections of any kind mandatory, only performing them on a by-request basis. But in a city like Manhattan, where many people are first-time renters, tenants often are unaware the properties have not been inspected, and do not know to request service.
"I just assumed everything was in good working order," said Greg Corbin, senior in political science and first-time renter.
For this reason, towns such as Boulder, Colo.; Ames, Iowa; and Lawrence - all college towns as well - have made rental inspections mandatory.
In Boulder, for example, a baseline inspection of the property must be performed every time a property changes owners, and a safety inspection must be done once every four years. The baseline inspection covers areas such as the building's exterior, stairways, gas appliances, ventilation, electrical and plumbing, whereas the safety inspection focuses more on how the structure is heated.
"It's been (that way) since the early '70s," said Sara Conover, Boulder rental housing licensing administrator. "We need to maintain a level of safety in our community. Without these inspections, it's so easy for rental properties to become unsafe."
In Ames, buildings must be inspected a minimum of once every four years and even more frequently if buildings have had violations in the past. The inspections are extensive and cover doors and windows, roofs, handrails and guardrails, upkeep, plumbing and heating, electrical, paint, fire safety and overall construction.
In Lawrence, the inspections are required even more frequently. There, all rental properties must be checked once every three years. Those properties that pass the inspection then are placed on a list of registered rental properties, which can be accessed on the Internet. Additionally, the city makes sure the owners are available to their tenants by making out-of-area owners appoint a local representative, something not required in Manhattan.
The deficiencies of Manhattan's rental inspection policy so bothered newly-elected city commissioner Jim Sherow, it became one of the key components of his platform.
"There's a lot of residential housing that could be made first class with some work, but what's the incentive for a landlord to do that work?" Sherow said. "Rental inspections are the only way to get at (the problem)."
"When I look at a rental I ask myself one question: Would I want my daughter living in it?" Sherow said.
With many of Manhattan's properties, he said his answer is no.
