Understandably, Muskogee landlords, like any other businessmen or women, want a minimum of government regulation.

Earlier this week, landlords attended a City Council meeting and raised issues with the city’s proposed Landlord Responsibility Ordinance. The proposed law would require landlords to be licensed and it would establish minimum standards for rental property.

Landlords contended that the city already has building codes and appearance laws. They also complained that landlord licensing fees would increase rent rates.

Landlords are correct that if all the new ordinance does is mimic code and appearance laws already in place, the responsibility ordinance is not needed. Muskogee also does not need more ordinances on the books if they are not enforceable.

But Muskogee has a problem with a large percentage of houses deteriorating within its original town site.

Landlords have a lot to do with that because many of those homes are rented, and soem renters rent because they don’t want to be responsible for the upkeep of a house. Therefore, some have little regard for the property they rent. In fact, at the council meeting, at least one landlord blamed tenants for deteriorating property and overgrown yards.

That’s part of being a landlord, though, and those are problems landlords must deal with because, after all, the homes belong to the landlords, not the renters.

The city’s job is to provide services and protect citizens, in part by encouraging responsible behavior.

And again, this town has a big problem with residents allowing property to become eyesores, overgrown lots, dumpsites for appliances and old vehicles, and public health hazards. If it takes an ordinance to improve safety and Muskogee’s appearance, then we need one, and yes, it’s going to cost.

The city should try to keep the licensing fee as low as possible, but we also know renting homes is profitable. If it wasn’t, few people would be involved in it.