It seems we’ve been proven wrong on Biddeford’s approach to help improve the downtown.

A group of local landlords say they’re pleased with a new ordinance designed to crack down on apartment buildings that are nuisances.

The disorderly housing ordinance was approved by the city council in August, and according to those landlords, now holds property owners accountable for problems that arise at their buildings.

In an editorial earlier this year, the Journal Tribune said this ordinance may be difficult to enforce, and the city would be better served to utilize its existing laws to clear up issues at problem buildings. Proposed fines ”“ of up to $1,000 ”“ seemed steep, but it appears most of the situations have been worked out amicably, without the need for fines. Having an ordinance in place has given the city extra teeth to fight blight and if the landlords are supporting it, it’s worth reconsidering our stance.

Under the ordinance, an apartment building is first deemed a “hot spot” when police officers respond two or more times in a month to the property for nuisance behavior, such as loud noise, fighting or public drunkenness. Additional police visits within 30 days could cause a building to be labeled a “disorderly house.”

Once designated a disorderly house, the owner of the property is required to meet with police and come up with a plan to deal with problems at the building. Failing to enter into an agreement with the city could result in legal action against the property owner, through which the city could also seek damages.

It seems like the threat of legal action and fines has been enough to keep landlords engaged in their properties and dealing with the issues that arise.

In a recent interview, Russ Glidden of Gorham, who owns an apartment building at 61 Bacon St. in Biddeford, told the Journal Tribune that he had a problem tenant in his building who was responsible for most of the disorder issues at his property. Thanks to the ordinance, he said he was able to work with the police department and rid the building of that problem tenant.

Some tenants also had praise for the ordinance, saying their homes have become more peaceful, and they don’t have to deal with nuisance neighbors.

In addition to solving disorderly housing issues, the ordinance and related work has led to the formation of the Biddeford Landlords Association. The landlords responsible for the ordinance formed the group to provide a link between residential rental property owners and the city.

We’re pleased to see this ordinance is working well, and we hope to see it continue improving city life for Biddeford residents in the future. If, down the line, issues with the ordinance arise, we hope landlords and city officials can continue to work together to sort out issues without resorting to legal action.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.