City of Fresno hopes to send stern message to property owners who neglect renters concerns

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Mayor Lee Brand looked over the improvements made to an East Central Fresno complex. For years residents dealt with substandard living conditions, but all 13 units are now up to code and almost ready for families to move in.

Brand toured two properties which he said demonstrate the city's commitment to high standard housing.

"For the most part they've turned this place around completely and gave people an opportunity to live in safe conditions."

The property owner was ordered by a judge to give up this complex because he did not take care of issues which made the units unlivable.

Riley Walter represents property receiver Terry Long, who gave the complex a makeover.

"It was so substandard; I don't think you would want your dog to have lived in some of the units here. They were that bad."

Walter said his clients just learned of two more properties which they will work on.

City inspectors are looking for the worst offenders to make sure everything from water leaks to pest control are being dealt with in a timely fashion.

"So when we get to a point where we have an owner who does not cooperate, does not pay the fines, and most importantly doesn't make the necessary corrections to make the units livable ,this is our final tool is receivership," said Brand.

The complex now lists at $701,000-- when the sale is complete rent for these units is expected to start a $750 a month.