‘Don’t have to be rich to be clean’

There are many slumlords in Fresno, and they should be ashamed of themselves because they would never live in an unsafe, rodent and bug-infested home or the high-crime areas.

I am very fortunate to have the best landlord for over 11 years. But to show my appreciation, I treat my house as if it were mine (as she requested in the beginning).

In my field of work, I see many Section 8 apartments and houses that are totally trashed. They are filthy inside and out when tenants are evicted or decide to move out. Who is left with the bill to once again make it livable for the next tenant? The taxpayers. How can someone who is only required to pay $40-$60 a month not properly take care and pride in their home?

My mother was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, where they had dirt floors. She always taught us, “You don’t have to be rich to be clean.” And she was right. Tenants should be held accountable for the vandalism they cause to someone else’s property just like a slumlord should. Taxpayers are tired of picking up the tab.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 7:18 AM with the headline "‘Don’t have to be rich to be clean’."