The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

October 2, 2012

Trustee sets meetings on rental issues

By Sandy Scarmack Herald Staff Writer

BROOKFIELD — Just so everyone knows what is expected of them, Brookfield Township Trustee Gary Lees wants to hold two meetings, letting both renters and landlords know that property maintenance concerns local leaders.

Lees  said Monday he plans to ask all residents who rent property in the township to attend an informational meeting about their rights and responsibilities as tenants.

“We have a lot, a lot, of renters in the township. You hear about slum landlords; well, there are slum tenants too. For example, it seems to be a fad this year to throw your couch out and think the township or road department will come along and clean it up,” Lees said.

“There’s a certain element that needs to know what is expected. And we’re concerned about the landlords too, so there will be another meeting next month addressing their rights when it comes to bad tenants,” Lees said.

He read to the audience some newer legislation that took effect Friday that he says allows tenants to put rental payments into a trust rather than pay a landlord who doesn’t maintain the property.

“I don’t know if people know about this. I want to address both groups. We need to stay ahead of the ball in maintaining properties,” he added.

The first meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct.  27 and is open to tenants. A second meeting for landlords will be held in November, he said.

“I’m hoping I can find an attorney to speak to these issues as well,” he said.

Trustees also sparred some regarding replacement of the roof on the gazebo in the township green. Trustee Ron Haun said bids were received for both shingle and steel roofs. A steel roof costs about $12,600, about twice that of a shingled roof, but the warranty of a steel roof is about “35-plus  years,” Haun said.

“Also, a resident who wants to remain anonymous has said he would pay half the cost of a steel roof and if we have someone willing to step up and do that, I think we ought to do it,” Haun said.

Trustee Phil Schmidt disagreed. He argued that the roof needs to be patched, not replaced. He suggested that money spent now for a roof will be money missing later for road repairs.

“I hope you remember that statement when you have to assess the residents for three-quarters of the cost of fixing the road,” Schmidt told Haun.

“Six-thousand here, another thousand there and the money is gone. We know we’re going to need $60,000 for road repairs next year,” Schmidt said.

Haun and Lees voted in favor of replacing the roof; Schmidt voted against it.

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