Hagerstown Mulls Changes To Rental Inspections

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Hagerstown City Council members are considering increasing their efforts to inspect rental units.

The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown reports the council is considering proposed regulations that increase the number of rental unit inspectors as well as a rental licensing fee.

The exteriors of rental units must currently be inspected every two years, but officials are now recommending a once-a-year inspection. Interior inspections are currently required when tenants change, but are not conducted more than every four years. Proposed changes would keep the requirement the same but require an inspection every four years even if the tenant does not change.

The proposed changes presented to council members July 8 would increase the number of rental unit inspectors from three to six. A rental licensing fee of $50 would increase to $75.

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