I think if there is one topic that makes my blood boil worse than any other right now, it's City Code Inspections.  Somehow, tenants all across the city have gotten instructions to call the City whenever anything doesn't go their way.  I have been managing property since 1992, and it wasn't until 5 years ago that I got my first City Code Violation letter.  Since then, it's been a steady stream and it's only getting worse.

First of, let me tell you that we don't manage any slum properties, so the City Violations Letters are more a nuisance than anything of substance.  And when I say that the tenants have "gotten instructions to call the City", I mean exactly that.  Apparently, when the tenant calls Action 9 or the BBB, they tell them to call the City and complain.  And then the tenants talk to each other about what they did to get their Landlord back for __________________ (charging them a late fee, not getting out to fix that dripping faucet over the weekend, etc.).  It's maddening and aggravating!

Now, don't get me wrong -- if there are serious issues with a property that we have neglected after being made aware of them, I think that the tenant has every right to seek relief from the City or whoever.  But more times than not, the reason for the call to the City is to seek revenge for what they perceive is a wrong committed against them.  Some of the terrible things that have precipitated these calls include:

> Charging the tenant for spraying for the roaches that showed up 2 years after they moved in

> Charging the tenant a late fee for bringing her rent in 17 days late

> Requiring the tenant to have her live-in boyfriend (not on the lease or disclosed to us) pay an application fee and have a background check performed to make sure he is not a criminal

> Not repairing a closet shelf that had fallen for the 3rd time due to the tenants placing too much weight on the shelf

> Claiming that we have not made necessary repairs.  Of course, this generally occurs in conjunction with the tenant not paying rent, which then creates an eviction filing.  The tenant usually tries to call the City in to keep from paying the rent (this is the most common reason for the tenant calling the City)


When the City inspector comes out, he has full reign of the house.  He checks everywhere -- under the house, in the cabinets, closets, in the attic -- and makes a FULL list of everything that needs to be repaired.  And you have no choice -- you MUST comply or you will face fines and penalties.  This is why, when we have a tenant who is requesting some repairs, we encourage the owners to go ahead and make the repairs if they are not unreasonable.  Because, if they decide not to make the repairs and the tenant calls the city, they will be facing even more repairs and they will be required, not an optional repair.

Recently, while speaking to an inspector about a code violation, I unloaded on him and railed against the vigilante tenants and how they file unfounded complaints.  He, in turn, agreed with me and gave me some advice and recommendations that I feel are some good suggestions.  I will share them with you in a future installment of this BLOG.  Until then, email me and let me know what you think of this encroachment of your property rights (my opinion!).  

tony@realtyworldcambridge.com