Cathy Amdur, Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services, Issues Statement

Following is a statement released by Commissioner Cathy Amdur:

“The Proactive Rental Inspection Program (PRI) was adopted in November 2020, shortly after the Coronavirus pandemicˆrelated restrictions severely limited the ability to conduct interior inspections. During this time, the Department of Permit and Inspection Services continued to conduct outreach, education, and inspections that did not violate the pandemic-related restrictions.

So far, in just the first 6 weeks of 2024, the PRI division has performed 138 inspections and issued 46 Certificates of Rental Compliance. Overall, since the start of the program, 4,765 inspections have been performed and 415 Certificates have been issued.

Like any new ordinance, challenges were revealed as the program was implemented. PRI would cost the City almost $2 million a year to meet the defined goal. It’s important to note that the Erie County Department of Health has the mandate from New York State to address lead hazards, not the City of Buffalo. New York State Department of Health gives Erie County millions of dollars, including $1.4 million this year, to inspect housing for lead paint hazards and cite owners. The City does not receive any of this funding.

The Department of Permit & Inspection Services wants to continue to be part of the solution working with other agencies and partners, but we can’t be the whole solution. The County is the funded agency tasked with addressing lead hazards.

One way we can help is to inspect housing for community organizations, before they place vulnerable individuals into unsafe housing. We’re also fortunate to have so many caring advocates in our city and they can help guide missionˆbased organizations to take advantage of all the wonderful programs that build new affordable housing in the City. We see many of our faith-based organizations already doing it. That’s what it would look like to work together and find real solutions.”