Laredo city leaders are considering a landlord registry aimed at substandard housing. Councilwoman Alyssa Cigarroa wants to start the registry. Under the proposal, property owners would be required to pass safety inspections, and the program would also aim to stop illegal dumping. The program would cost nearly $1 million to run.
Some landlords, including Councilman Ruben Gutierrez Jr., said they would have to pass the cost of expensive repairs on to renters. Gutierrez said that a $20,000 to $40,000 investment in a property would push rent up by $300 to $500. He also said, "We have a very high poverty level here in Laredo."
The city is looking for a lower-cost option that would target only repeat offenders. The council is expected to revisit the proposal during budget discussions next summer.