Mandatory rental inspections are a clear violation of:
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a tenant's rights to privacy
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the right to be free from search without probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed.
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a landlord's private property rights
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several others
However, some legislatures and courts believe that it is government's responsibility to keep people safe, even from themselves. They have concluded that ‘safety” is more important than inalienable rights or personal freedom.
There are many examples of recent government mandates, ranging from motorcycle helmets and seat belts to rental property inspections.
The reasons for rental inspections argued by government officials include:
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To make sure the rental property is “decent and safe”.
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To determine how many persons may be occupying a rental unit. (Primarily in college towns).
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To look for signs of illegal activity. (Although officials won't admit it publicly.)
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To raise money for the municipality
The inevitable results of mandatory rental property (only) inspections include:
Rental Inspection Resources
Click list item to expand
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State and Local Law
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What Do Inspectors Look For
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Tenant Permission Letters
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Rental Inspection Case Law
Landlords and tenants in Port Huron, Michigan sued the city over a very expensive and onerous inspection ordinance. They spent more than twenty-five thousand dollars on lawyers and only won a few concessions in front of a judge who believed in government control of everything. Then they got smart. They put their money behind a new slate of candidates for city council. When they won, the city manager and city attorney were fired and the inspection law was changed.
The only way you can fight city hall and win is in the next election. See Political Action.