Landlords cannot rent to illegal immigrants in Escondido

By Melissa Wirkus

Real estate and immigration have been making headlines across the country lately, especially right here in San Diego.  Our real estate market has been a hot topic, and issues of immigration are always in the spotlight due to our proximity to the border.
Now these two seemingly very different topics have come together concerning legislation coming out of the city of Escondido. 

At a City Council meeting on October 18, 2006, a new ordinance was enacted that prevents landlords from renting out their property to illegal immigrants.
The article, “Escondido council votes 3-2 to approve ordinance,” featured in the October 19, 2006 edition of The San Diego Union Tribune, and written by J. Harry Jones discusses the details to this ground-breaking regulation.

“With supporters calling it a historic day for the city and the United States, the City Council voted 3-2 yesterday to enact an ordinance that prohibits landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. “

“In so doing, Escondido becomes the largest city in the nation to pass such a law, which opponents say will be challenged in court and hope never will be enforced. The ordinance is set to take effect Nov. 18, but opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union, are working on a lawsuit that likely will seek an injunction prohibiting enforcement until the issue is litigated.”

On an issue that is this controversial and sensitive, there are going to be people strongly devoted to or against the ordinance.

The City Council is confident that the new regulations will help the public to perceive them in a more positive light, and that it will improve the city and the overall quality of life.
Opponents however, say that the new regulation is unenforceable and creates divisions amongst the community. Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler was one of the two council members who voted against the ordinance.

“Pfeiler said all agree that illegal immigration is a problem, but that the ordinance ‘is going to have neighbor against neighbor’ and is inhumane.”

Overall, the community seems to be in favor of the new legislation. City officials say that 95 percent of the emails that have been coming in concerning the issue are in favor of the legislation and of the 208 phone calls they have received; only six are against the ordinance.

“The ordinance allows the city to suspend business licenses and fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants.”