Property owners in New Port Richey beware: If your place is the site of chronic crime, the city may be coming after you.
In June 2013, the city enacted a chronic nuisance ordinance. Now, it takes just two visits from police for a disturbance, arrest or criminal activity to lead to citations.
Fines are next, then, possible foreclosure.
The owner of the Travel Inn on Highway US 19 in New Port Richey was cited after several drug-related arrests on his property. Last week, he had to appear in Pasco court - where he was ordered to come up with a plan of action in 15 days.
New Port Richey Police Chief Kim Bogart said if the plan does not help curb police activity, he could face thousands of dollars in fines.
"The activity is all around these places and we have to break that up," Bogart said. "And the only way we're going to break that up is to get the landlord, get the property owner's attention.
"And you know, money gets peoples attention."
Another property owner was cited recently and had to appear in court last week after a marijuana grow house was uncovered in one of his rental homes.