Springfield Council Proposes Rental Inspection Program

The City of Springfield is developing a rental inspection program aimed at enhancing housing safety, focusing initially on single-family homes and duplexes, with inspections triggered by occupancy changes and occurring no more than every five years. Director Martin Gugel indicated that the program's framework is based on successful models from other cities, with inspections covering 25 key safety issues such as smoke detector status and signs of rodent infestation. While the program could begin by November 2025, it will exclude newly constructed or significantly renovated buildings from inspections. Meanwhile, ongoing discussions highlight the need for adequate funding for the program, which may involve contributions from landlords. In a related initiative, Addison City Council has approved a similar registration and inspection program for all rental properties, set to take effect in January 2025, aiming to ensure health and safety standards across various housing types.