Desert Hot Springs adopted a rental ordinance requiring registration of about 6,500 rental units and generally one inspection every five years. Landlords object to possible costs and privacy concerns; interior entry requires tenant consent under state law.
City leaders say the program is intended to address poorly maintained rentals and owners who fail to make repairs; council members have described it as tenant protection and a way to reduce blight. Property manager Ashley Valenzuela said opposition among owners she works with is widespread and warned added charges could put upward pressure on rents.
Fees were not finalized. Staff proposed a $100 registration fee per property and a $60 self-certification fee; the city estimated they would generate about $650,000 and $39,000, respectively. Violations could carry penalties of $1,000 to $3,000, depending on repeat citations. The fee schedule is due for a city vote on Oct. 6.
