Safe, Affordable Housing
Rental Inspections
In September of 2022, Carlisle Borough passed an ordinance amendment establishing a licensing and inspection program for rental properties, but I think it still falls short.If the inspection finds no issue(s), they are not required to do another inspection for 5 years. In those five years, a landlord can increase rent, impose new regulations upon their tenant, evict, rent to new tenants, etc. - all without another inspection.
This ordinance also does not address commercial rentals. If you run a business, and lease/rent your storefront, there is no protection within the ordinance for you.
As a homeowner in Carlisle Borough, I am more than aware of just how quickly an issue can arise. Whether a loose handrail or a leaky pipe, there’s few issues that can wait five years for a fix.
The ordinance is a great start to landlord accountability, but it’s only a start.
Short Term Rentals
I believe that if you work in a town, you should be able to afford to live in it as well.
Carlisle Borough can remain an affordable town for its citizens, but the influx of short-term options like AirBnB and Vrbo can drastically harm the ability for Carlisle Borough to supply affordable housing to its residents and prospective residents.
Short-term rentals allow property owners to collect drastically more on their properties, while adding very little value to the community.
Carlisle Borough is home to the charming Carlisle House Bed and Breakfast, the historic Comfort Suites Downtown, and many other options. All of which employ Carlisle locals and are integral members of the business community. All of which welcome visitors that are choosing to vacation in, or just pass through, our town.
Not only do our residents suffer from short-term rentals, our businesses do, too. Residents cannot find affordable housing, and businesses like those listed above, lose customers to short-term options like AirBnB and Vrbo.
