RENTERS BYLAW REBUILT

A controversial bylaw affecting landlords and renters in Langley City has
been revamped.

The "Maintenance of Residential Premises Bylaw" had passed three readings
by City Council earlier this year. The readings were rescinded to make way
for amendments at Council's July 9 meeting, and the bylaw received three
new readings.

The original Bylaw, presented to Council in April, dealt with hazards and
unhealthy conditions the RCMP saw in rental homes in which illegal
activities had taken place.

The bylaw was put before public information forum in June to educate
landlords and tenants on how to effectively screen potential renters.

After the forum, amendments were made to the "Whereas" clauses to clarify
the terms on which the bylaw may be implemented. The bylaw will be brought
back to Council for a fourth and final reading on July 23.

The Bylaw now states that if the RCMP contacts the City to report a drug
bust, and feels that the premises where the drugs were found have become
unsafe to live in, the City will send building inspectors to check it out.

The landlord is to be informed of any upgrading required to return the
premises to safety standards, and will have to apply for a re-occupancy
permit before the premises can be rented again.