After a recent string of fires some are concerned that the city of Duluth isn't inspecting rental properties fast enough.

LeAnn Wallace joins us from the newsroom.

LeAnn...how important is the "timeliness" of these inspections?

Michelle... It can mean the difference between life and death... yet many rental properties around Duluth aren't up to inspection codes.

"I mean our landlord gave us one...but we've been too lazy to put it up so far."

State statute requires an operable smoke detector be provided and maintained by the landlord.

According to city reports, the Duluth triplex where three people died in a fire this weekend had not been inspected since June of 2004.
Fire Officials say the battery in the family's smoke detector was pulled back and not properly connected.

Whether or not an inspection would have made a difference in this case is still unknown.

"City Council Member Jim Stauber says some rental properties go months, even years without seeing a proper inspection.

"That's a real serious concern for a renter but for the landlord as well and the citizens of Duluth, that these buildings are being put up for rent and not being inspected, or at least in a timely manner."

Landlords are paying a 220 dollar fee to have their building inspected, but are given temporary licenses until the inspection takes place.
Stauber says he's unsure of where this money is going.

"We had a huge influx of rentals in September, That generated $100,000 worth of fees, and if that just went to the general fund and was spent on other things rather than our building inspection department then that's a real concern that I have, that other council members have and probably the citizens should as well."

Fire Officials say although building inspections are an important part of fire safety; it's up to the tenant to make sure their smoke alarms are operational.