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Renters and property owners urge clarity as Independence prepares Ready Rental and landlord-tenant ordinance changes
Summary
During public comment, renters and property owners urged clearer Ready Rental procedures and easier utility transfers; council scheduled listening sessions and set ordinance first readings for January, while staff and council emphasized stakeholder review.
Several residents and property owners used the Dec. 16 public comment period to press the council for clearer procedures tied to the Ready Rental program and related building‑code adoptions.
Becky Hake told the council that tenants are being "victimized" when utilities are not turned on after they sign a lease because the utility provider records a landlord with no rental license. "Don't not turn their utilities on just because they... didn't even know this law ... exist," Hake said, urging the city to make licensing information more accessible and to allow utilities while the city researches property licensing status.
Property owners also urged a stakeholder-driven approach. Brian Winberry, who owns property in Independence, said Ready Rental inspections have largely worked but recommended administrative improvements to make utility transfers easier and asked that the city adopt only code provisions that fit local conditions. Mark Yanda urged more specific local adaptations rather than wholesale adoption of international codes, citing differences in climate and construction practice.
Council member Fears announced two listening sessions to discuss proposed changes to the Ready Rental and landlord-tenant guide — one the Wednesday after the meeting and a second session on Jan. 6, plus a Saturday morning session — and confirmed the proposed ordinance amendments will appear for first reading on Jan. 6. The announcements create a formal public‑engagement track before final readings.
No formal policy change was adopted at the Dec. 16 meeting for the Ready Rental program; the record shows planned engagement and upcoming first readings. Council members and staff repeatedly encouraged public participation in the scheduled sessions and more detailed review before final action.
