The Springfield City Council on Tuesday narrowly voted down a proposal to put a landlord registration referendum on next year’s ballot.
If such a measure had been approved, the city would have been expected to begin consulting with experts, the public, and rental owners to create a system for licensing and inspection of rental units.
Proponents for the referendum argued that holding landlords to higher standards would benefit smaller independent owners and improve housing conditions in the city.
Opponents argued the city’s inspection requirements would strain the city’s limited housing supply, and that fees would simply be passed on to renters.
After lengthy public comment from building management companies and housing advocates, the proposal did not receive support from the majority of the council with a 5-4 vote in favor and Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase recusing herself.
