I have been engaged in the residential real estate rental business in Easton for over 15 years. It is my goal to provide clean, safe and presentable workforce housing, and yes, hopefully even turn a profit.
Recent events have put all of these goals in jeopardy. I have in fact listed and sold several of my nicer properties. This is due to the newly enacted and newly enforced codes adopted by the Town of Easton. Each rental property, if properly registered, is charged an annual license fee, annual inspection fee, reinspection fees and in some cases penalties. This is in addition to insurance, maintenance and repairs, mortgage payments and legal fees.
The town has decided to rigidly enforce codes that they have absolute discretion over (according to the state of Maryland). These codes do not apply to commercial or owner-occupied properties. Easton is the only town in the Mid/Lower Shore that is enforcing codes to these stringent standards. In many cases, properties that have previously passed inspections are now being rejected despite having received permits and previous approval. In many instances, the costs associated with these items are not affordable based upon the rents collected.
It is unfortunate that the mayor and town council are sitting by idly watching the affordable rental housing pool diminish, as well as all of the revenue generated by these properties, while a few town employees seek to make this their quest.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.