Mattawa housing inspection notices raise concerns

MATTAWA — The biennial inspection of rental properties required by Mattawa’s city code doesn’t usually cause problems, but due to the current political climate there, recent inspection notices have raised questions.

Inspections every two years are meant to ensure properties meet standards and are not a health and safety risk to the occupants.

However, residents of the Wahluke Slope apartments, owned by the Housing Authority of Grant County, received a letter stating the city would inspect each unit in the apartment complex during the next couple of months. The letter also stated the property manager and maintenance supervisor would inspect the residences.

A copy of the letter was sent to the Columbia Basin Herald, along with a copy of an anonymous letter addressed to Carol Anderson, executive director of the Housing Authority of Grant County.

When asked about the inspection, Anderson said the housing authority has its own inspector.

“The city of Mattawa does not participate in the inspections,” Anderson said. “All rental units go through this process.”

Section 5.24.020 of the Mattawa City Code states an inspection certificate must be provided before the unit is initially inhabited and additional inspections must be completed every two years. Inspectors may be a city building official, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development certified inspector, a certified private inspector or a licensed structural engineer or architect.

In February, Othello passed a similar ordinance that requires landlords to obtain a license to rent property. Prior to obtaining the license, the rental must be inspected to ensure all rentals are suitable for occupants.

Because of the wording of the letter sent to Mattawa residents, Anderson said she canceled the inspections set for Tuesday and asked the property manager to send out another letter, explaining the reason for and who would be doing the inspections.

“It is no one from the city,” Anderson said.

Normally, several units are chosen for inspection each year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that hasn’t happened, making this the first inspection at the Wahluke Slope apartments in a couple of years.

Anderson said anyone wishing to speak with her about the inspections may contact her at 509-762-5541, ext. 129. Translators are available.