San Jose landlords want help instead of fines

In South San Jose, property owners are calling for a shift in how code enforcement interacts with them, advocating for support rather than penalties for potential violations. Councilmember George Casey has initiated discussions with landlords and city officials to address pressing issues like graffiti, illegal dumping, and the impact of homeless encampments. Many properties are being classified in the highest tier of code violations, leading to substantial fines that burden responsible landlords. Sadije Alaj, who owns multiple properties, expressed frustration over paying high fees despite maintaining her properties well. Rachel Roberts, a deputy director of code enforcement, acknowledged the challenges and emphasized that property owners can request early tier reviews if significant improvements are made.

However, she reiterated that property maintenance ultimately falls on the owners. The article highlights the necessity for improved communication and collaboration between landlords and the city to foster a more effective code enforcement process. It also points to the broader implications for tenants, as properties in lower tiers yield higher rents, thus impacting housing affordability in the area.