At the March 12 East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting, there was an agenda item regarding a rental inspection program. Supervisors reopened the debate regarding the development of a township rental inspection program from a previous meeting.

At the earlier meeting, the board instructed township Manager Brent Green to contact other municipalities to learn what their rental inspection policies are. Green noted he looked at several municipalities and focused on Northampton and Lehighton boroughs’ rental inspection policies.

A number of questions arose that fostered more questions moving forward. The board discussed possibly focusing initially on multifamily dwellings and boardinghouses. Single-family dwelling rental inspections might develop later.

Supervisor Chris Cruz said he favored starting with rental inspections of multifamily dwellings first.

East Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief Raymond Henry noted there are “a lot of single-family rentals” in the township. He advocated for single-family rental inspections. Henry’s concern is for firefighters responding to fires at potentially unsafe homes, putting the firefighters at risk.

It was noted private equity firms outside the area are purchasing family homes to turn them into rentals. The concern was if these properties have a fire safety inspection that includes checking the old home’s electrical wiring for safety or if they are up to code when they get prepared for renting.

It was asked how many calls or complaints the township office receives from renters. Green noted there are a handful of complaints a year. Further discussion seemed to conclude many renters do not place rental safety complaints or want to remain anonymous so their name and complaint are not relayed to the landlord.

Green explained the complexities of a comprehensive rental inspection program, which stimulated questions about the cost of the inspection and who would be assigned to complete the inspections. There was reported reluctance to hire a full-time code enforcement officer to track, keep the records of renters and complete the rental inspections.

It was also asked when the rental inspection would occur, such as would it be after a tenant moves out or annually. Also, it was asked how a rooming house that may rent by the week would get inspected. The inspection costs were also discussed.

Supervisor Chair Roger Unangst said the board needs a list of what would be inspected in a rental property. A consensus of the board was that all rentals need to be known with the number of tenants and all should be inspected timely.

Green noted there is no line-item for rental inspections in the township’s budget, so nothing is budgeted for inspections for 2026. The decision for the rental inspection program was tabled.

During the public comment agenda item at the close of the meeting, a resident recommended the township start with rental inspections of single-family homes being purchased by private equity companies. He said these companies are buying homes to rent with an eye to cut costs, no upgrades and an alleged neglect of safety issues.

Supervisors approved the recommendation for the release of funds for Sunny Slope Crossing major subdivision for $5,130,457.40. Supervisors also approved resolution 2026-08 that authorizes the execution of sewage facilities planning module for tax parcel ID L6-16-10-0508. All resolutions are available for review by visiting eatwp.org or by calling the township office.

Supervisors voted to purchase a heavy-duty truck for year-round use with the ability to plow snow and perform other duties. The cost of the truck is about $315,000. Supervisors voted to purchase the truck outright rather than borrowing the money at a reported rate of 6% interest.

During the fire department report, Henry requested a discussion about the need to purchase firefighting gear that may cost thousands of dollars at an upcoming meeting. Green said the request will be on the next meeting agenda.

In the recreation committee report, it was said blue bird and osprey boxes are planned to be installed in some of the township’s parks.

The next East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting is set for 7 p.m. April 9. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit eatwp.org to review the meeting’s agenda and to access the meeting virtually.