Proposed nuisance ordinance has DeKalb landlords annoyed

Proposals for stricter housing code enforcement and regular rental unit inspections has sparked ire among DeKalb landlords and residents. A chronic-nuisance ordinance would require landowners to meet with the city and work to fix the offenses if their tenants violate city laws three times in one year. Violations include felony offenses such as possession of drugs or weapons and misdemeanors such as underage alcohol consumption or noise violations. Under the rental inspection program, exteriors of rental units would be periodically checked for disrepair, and the interiors would be examined at least once every five years, DeKalb Community Development Director Russ Farnum said. Residents and landlords have vehemently opposed the measures, argu