Mississippi City’s Rental Property Target of Proposed New License

McComb, Miss., officials are considering a proposal to require rental property owners to obtain a privilege license and have their properties inspected annually.

The Enterprise-Journal reports that urban planner Laurence Leyens told the board of selectmen that people make a living from rental properties and it should be treated like any other business.

Leyens says privilege licenses and inspections ensure that renters are living in safe conditions.

Under the proposal, rental property owners can get licenses after their property is inspected for things such as an up-to-date fire extinguisher, windows that open in every bedroom and proper electrical wiring.

Leyens says the proposal would be to require licenses for people with three or more rental properties to lessen the strain on the zoning and inspection department.