Cape Girardeau may require licenses for landlords

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) -Cape Girardeau city officials want to issue licenses to landlords. They also want to inspect rental property at least once every three years.

Assistant City Manager Ken Eftink says that the city will work with the City Council to develop the guidelines that will be used to determine the licensing procedure and inspection criteria.

"It’s more of a neighborhood protection program," Eftink said. "If you have one house on the block that is in poor condition or has other problems, it really brings down the value of the other properties on that block. So to protect that neighborhood, you try to make sure that all the houses on that block are being properly maintained."

The city currently does not have a licensing system in place for landlords.

Eftink says that the inspection will include a checklist of basic items that should be in good condition, such as the foundation, windows, doors, chimney, and roof.

The city will likely hire two addition employees to act as inspectors. Eftink says the licensing fees should cover the cost of the program.

The City will work with City Council over the next few months to hammer out the details of the program.

The city will take input at a public meeting on Thursday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Osage Center.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: Cape Girardeau City Council,City of Cape Girardeau,Ken Eftink,landlord licenses