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Code enforcement cites nearly 700 condemned properties; residents press council on neglected apartment complexes
Summary
City code enforcement described a large backlog of condemned properties and outlined enforcement steps; tenants' advocates urged more inspections and a landlord registry to improve conditions in large apartment complexes.
A code enforcement supervisor told a District 1 town-hall audience that the city is managing a large number of abandoned or condemned properties and must prioritize enforcement. The supervisor said, “We've got almost 700 condemned properties,” and explained that the department uses inspection, fines, special magistrate hearings and, in some cases, foreclosure as tools but that foreclosure is not feasible for every property.
Thomas Resherter, who introduced the enforcement team, said residents can file complaints online and that code staff will pursue citations when property owners do not comply. He described a warning-and-citation process: officers issue a yellow placard and a 15-day notice; if the problem is not resolved, the city may hire contractors to abate the nuisance and later pursue liens or fines.
Tenants' advocate David, speaking for local tenant organizations, urged the council to address concentrated neglect in Arlington’s multifamily properties and to back measures that increase accountability of corporate landlords. He named several apartment complexes alleged to have poor conditions, including Boathouse, Treehouse, San Remo, Golden Shores, The Square at 509 Caroline, St. John's Forest and Miramar, and asked the council to consider a landlord registry so ownership is easier to identify.
Council staff pointed to Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes — the state landlord-tenant statute — when explaining the limits of local authority over rental agreements and eviction processes. The council office said it would follow up on individual complaints and noted that residents can seek assistance through legal aid or by filing complaints with state agencies.
Ending: Enforcement staff asked residents to submit addresses and evidence on reported properties so staff can prioritize inspections; tenant advocates urged follow-up from the council on a potential landlord registry and additional inspection resources.
