Few complaints have been reported since the city of Eugene enacted new, comprehensive rental codes and created a housing standards enforcement agency in 2004.
The Eugene Rental Housing Code implements minimum standards in dealing with a building’s structural integrity, plumbing, heating and weatherproofing. The code, which went into effect
July 1, applies to all residential rental units within the Eugene city limits.
The code was supported by the interest group Eugene Citizens for Housing Standards, which worked with city councilors and the planning and development department to develop the minimum standards that were modeled after a similar program in Corvallis.
According to ASUO Campus Organizer Brett Rowlett, who served as a lead organizer with Eugene Citizens for Housing Standards, the group wanted a program that protected renter’s rights.
“Some might see the few number of complaints as a sign that it isn’t working,” said Rowlett. “However, the program was designed to encourage landlords and tenants to work out their problems without the city having to get involved.”
City Councilor David Kelly was an early supporter of the new housing standards and worked with students in getting the new codes implemented. According to Kelly, the codes provide the first comprehensive housing standards the city has had since 1983, when a recession forced the city to cut a number of programs, including enforcement of housing codes. The standards then reverted to state law, which required tenants to go to court to settle their disputes with landlords.
Code Enforcement Inspector Mark Tritt said the program has been successful and the agency has had to deal with few complaints, although he said more people need to be made aware of the codes.
“I think there’s more people that need to be made aware of it, but I’d say its been successful with the cases we’ve addressed so far,” Tritt said.
Tritt said that complaints about heat are the most frequent, followed by plumbing issues. Complaints about mold are not covered under the code, but weatherproofing standards are in place to repair water leaks.
When a tenant has a complaint about his or her rental space, the tenant is expected to file a written report to the property manager. The manager must respond within 10 days. If the property manager fails to respond to the problem, the tenant may register the complaint with the city.
Once a complaint has been made with the city, the city will investigate the tenant’s complaint. If the city finds a valid problem, then the property manager will be fined every day until the complaint is dealt with. Depending on the complaint, daily fines can range from $250 to $2,000.
The program is funded with a $10 yearly fee for each rental unit. The fees are paid either by the property managers or added into fees paid by the renters.
Rowlett said that by spring term, the ASUO is planning to run an educational program and distribute materials door-to-door in order to get more awareness about renters’ rights to students. A meeting of the West University Neighbors will be held tonight to discuss housing codes with residents.
Questions about housing standards can be answered at the enforcement agency at 682-8282.
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