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Residents tell Chester council of hazardous housing and call for stronger enforcement of out-of-state landlords
Summary
Multiple public commenters described unsanitary and dangerous conditions at rental complexes including Daniel Scott and Benjamin Banneker; city staff said inspectors have been dispatched and the city is working to hold absentee owners accountable.
During the public-comment portion of the Sept. 10 meeting, several residents described persistent housing problems at privately owned rental properties and urged the council to take stronger enforcement action against absentee and noncompliant landlords.
Speakers including a woman who identified herself as the mother of a resident injured earlier in the year and other long-term residents described infestations, sewer backups, lack of adequate maintenance, and children living near concentrated recovery-home populations. One resident said mice were entering a paralyzed child’s bedroom and described living conditions she called “deplorable.”
Council and staff responses: City staff, including Nona (director of Licensing & Inspection) and members of the community and economic development team, said inspectors had been sent in response to complaints and that the city is pursuing contact information for out-of-state owners so they can be held accountable. Nona told attendees the city is developing additional programs and enforcement measures and that staff would pursue remedies, including pursuing landlords’ compliance and pursuing channels to impose financial consequences when appropriate.
Resident demands and details: Commenters said some owners are based in New Jersey and that tenants face repeated neglect; one long-term resident said she had to call the county to prompt a city inspection. Another resident said the city’s rent-withholding vehicle is not available as a city program and that county escrow options may be the only route for tenants seeking to withhold rent for uncorrected safety issues.
Nut graf: Councilors and staff acknowledged systemic property-maintenance problems at multiple complexes and said city inspectors are engaged; officials committed to follow up with residents and pursue owner accountability, while noting legal and administrative limits to immediate remedies.
Ending: City staff said they would continue inspections, attempt to reach owners and work with county partners where appropriate; residents asked staff to provide contact information and follow up directly after the meeting.
