Boone County commissioners want the ability to impose standards on rental properties outside the Columbia city limits.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that commissioners are complaining about "slum lords." They're asking are legislators to propose and support legislation that would give the county the authority to impose basic rental standards.
As it is, out-county rental property owners are only required to comply with ordinances dealing with weeds and trash that pose health and safety hazards outside residences. Legislative authority is needed to create additional standards.
Southern District Commissioner Karen Miller says the Columbia Board of Realtors has supported legislation for Boone County rental standards in past years, but the statewide Realtors association has opposed the measure.
