Unruly tenants and repeated calls to police are becoming a problem in Monroe. Now landlords may be held responsible for what happens on their property, even when they're not there.

The City of Monroe is considering an ordinance that would penalize landlords whose tenants constantly violate the law.

"It's something that 95 percent of our landlords won't have to worry about," said Monroe City Manager Wayne Herron.

The plan, similar to one that Raleigh is using, would work like this: If a renter gets a three complaints ranging from not cutting grass, playing music too loud, or more serious problems like drugs, the property owner would be required to get a renter's permit from the city. The permit would be for that particular property and would last two years. If during that two year period problems persist, then the landlord would be fined starting at $50 up to $250 per offense.

This way the city says it could monitor the renter and landlord to make sure the same problems don't recur.

The city will hold a public hearing on the matter on July 21, at which time it can vote on the matter or table it for another time.

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