California Apartment Association

WEST COVINA – The California Apartment Association helped derail a rental inspection program here Tuesday that would have unfairly charged fees to landlords already taking good care of their properties.

The West Covina City Council voted 3-2 to dismiss the proposed inspection program after hearing from several rental property owners, as well as Tim Johnson, executive director of CAA’s Inland Empire division (AAGIE).

“This is a major victory for our members, who would’ve paid a blanket fee and an $18-per-unit fee on an annual basis,” said Johnson, who worked closely with CAA’s Los Angeles division to prevent the charge. “Some of our members were looking at paying up to $8,200 annually — had the rental inspection program moved forward — and our involvement was key to the council’s decision to do away with the program all together.”

West Covina initially used the city of Covina’s rental inspection program as a model. Over the past several months, however, CAA explained to city staff and the City Council that the inspection ordinance, as proposed, would unfairly penalize owners who properly maintain and operate their properties.

“Partnering with Inland Empire to stop this unfair program is a great example of CAA working together on behalf of all of our members,” said Beverly Kenworthy, executive director for CAA-Los Angeles.

Related content:

• Anaheim approves self-inspection program
• Sacramento reforms costly rental inspection