Property owners in Warrenton expressed a mix of concerns and optimism Monday at a town hall meeting to discuss new rules mandating home inspections anytime the occupant of a residence changes.Beginning in August, the city will require a safety inspection, conducted by city staff, anytime a new resident moves into a home or apartment. The inspection rules apply to owned homes and rented property.The city will charge a mandatory $50 fee for the inspections. Homeowners or landlords who allow a property to be occupied without the inspection could face a fine. Rental property owners also will be required to register all of their properties with the city.City staff and elected officials fielded questions and commented on the new rules during the town hall meeting. For example, Building Commissioner Mike Cross said the city would require a safety inspection even for homes that already received a private inspection. He further explained that homes will not “fail” an inspection unless the city identifies a life safety issue.Jim Hunter, who owns four rental properties in Warrenton, said he is angry about the new rules. He said landlords being charged a mandatory fee from the city will have to pass that cost to their tenants. Hunter also said he dislikes the new registration requirement.Other property owners said they have less of an issue with the inspections, and don’t expect the city to find any issues with their properties. Some said they could understand why the city might want inspections, acknowledging that certain rental properties in Warrenton don't appear to be in good shape.Homeowner Emily Tipton said she came to the town hall because she wasn’t sure if the mandate would require her to have her current house inspected (it doesn't). She said she understands why safety checks might be required for rental properties or older homes at risk of having problems. But Tipton said if she decides to move to a newer home and is getting her own private inspection, she doesn’t think it’s necessary to have to pay the city for another, separate inspection.A common concern was that the new rules would cause rental housing in Warrenton to become less affordable. City officials said they believe the negative impact will be minimal, and that the inspections will ensure the safety and health of city residents.Warrenton city hall sign