Forest Park Detective Helps Smooth Out Tenant-Landlord Relations

In a community with more than 50 percent rental units its housing stock, Forest Park has a huge job making sure that landlords and tenants understand and appreciate their different responsibilities and rights.

And one policeman, Det. Michael O'Connor, has oversight of that effort.

Fore three nearly three years O'Connor has been in charge of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Based on a similar effort in Mesa, AZ, this voluntary crime prevention effort ensures the safety of tenants and landlords alike.

Patch.com sat down with the 10-year veteran of the department to speak about the program, its rewards and its challenges.

Patch: What Do You Do?

Det. Michael O'Connor: More than 50 percent of Forest Park is rental housing. The mayor (Anthony Calderone) set up up the position called crime free housing office, who deals with landlord tenant relationships. I field phone calls from residents if they're having issues with their landlord and vice- versa and deal with their concerns. I also teach a class about landlord rights and responsibilities. They have to provide a safe living environment for their tenants. Landlords get information about how to keep their property, basements and the lots in the back of their buildings more secure and safe. I provide material on how to better screen applicants.

Patch: What About the Tenants?

O'Connor: I meet with tenants to talk about their responsibilities. If a landlord is having continual problems with the tenant, speak with the tenant. I give them a booklet on landlord-tenant rights. Tenants have the responsibility to keep the unit reasonably clean, pay rent on time and don't be a disturbance to the others. All of those responsibilities are specifically listed on the lease. A proper, well-worded lease is the best defense for a landlord and for the tenant. It's a lease that spells out everything.

Patch: What Kind of Problems Do You See?

O'Connor: One is overcrowding. It's a problem that is not brought to our attention. It's underreported. While it is a potentially serious safety issue, a lot of people don't see it as all that offensive: they're renting property, they can do what they want. that will be one of the proble. Others are people over 18 who are not included on the lease; drugs and loud noise.

Patch: What Are the most Unusual Cases You've Ever Had?

O'Connor: (With many of the details left out). Dealing with a registered sex offender and the relationship he had with his girlfriend and his mother. Another was dealing with a landlord who we found out was warranted on a warrant for a traffic violation and ending up being charged with obstruction of justice.

Patch: That Do You Like about Your Job?

O'Connor: No two days are the same; every day is different. I like talking with landlords and tenants. Most landlords and tenants are reasonsalbe for the most part. We have a vast majority of them that are not problems. We deal with about 1 percent of them much of the time. 

Patch: What Do You Think About the Program?

O'Connor: When I lived in Mesa, AZ, I saw both sides of what happens. I'm a firm believer in it. A small percentage of landlords have participated. They have to give up four hours of their day and one Saturday to have their properties inspected. Landlords who have taken it said on evaluations they'd wished they'd known about it sooner. It's been a great tool. Even experienced managers said they've learned a lot. 

Patch: Now it's a Voluntary Program. Would it Be Beneficial for Landlords to Invest their Time and Effort into this Program?

O'Connor: Absolutely. I've not had a single landlord say anything negative about the program. I not see every one saying something positive. They thank me daily about this, that there's a lot of good information in it. They thank me for giving them knowledge I've heard because I'm in this position.

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