Since moving back to Ames I’ve noticed that the condition of rental properties in residential areas has significantly deteriorated during the past two decades. While clamoring over “moral values” pointed at a narrow range of issues, landlords and property managers of those deteriorated properties should not forget that in exchange for the money paid to rent the premises, students and other tenants are entitled to safe, clean and presentable living quarters.

Yes, a few tenants do sometimes act irresponsibly and damage a property beyond normal wear and tear, and they should be dealt with accordingly.

When landlords and property managers enter into the rental business, however, damage is a known risk associated with that business, and some losses are to be expected with profits.

The city of Ames has set regulations with respect to tenant conduct to prohibit interior furniture on the front lawn and restrict more than three unrelated individuals from living in the same rental property, both of which protect financial interests of property owners and neighbors.

The city does not have enough personnel or funds, however, to provide inspections and housing code enforcement to the extent needed. Thus, it is up to landlords and property managers to take responsibility for their businesses and maintain the property not just to the legal standards, but to provide a decent product in exchange for the money received and to act as good neighbors to homeowners in the neighborhood.

No more sagging porches, decades-old paint jobs, leaky roofs, broken windows, weed-filled yards, untrimmed landscaping overhanging sidewalks, substandard plumbing, heating and electrical systems and inadequate energy-efficient insulation. If landlords do not govern themselves, it will fall to tenants to file complaints with the city about inferior housing conditions.

The city, Iowa State and business owners have invested money and effort to providing an aesthetically pleasing public community — I love our downtown, campus and Dog Town!

Now it is up to residential property managers and landlords to take a hard look at their properties and do the same.

Ask yourselves: would you want your family to live in the property you rent to others?

D‚von M. Lewis

Resident

Ames