The head of the Columbus area landlord’s association is raising concerns about a plan by Columbus City Council to crack down on junk vehicles on rental properties.

The council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance change tonight, which Brad Grayson, president of the county landlords group, says puts landlords in a hard spot, unable to take actions against vehicles which they do not own and have no legal right to have removed, while facing fines from the city for not getting rid of the vehicles.

He said that taking someone else’s vehicle without permission could be seen as grand theft auto and that most tow companies would not even consider a landlords’ request to remove a vehicle that the landlord does not own. Further, he said that police will not “yellow tag” a vehicle that is not in the public right-of-way.

Grayson also said that the ordinance will do little but increase local rent costs, as landlords make plans to cover the expense of getting fined.

He said that the ordinance change has been flying under the radar and sent out an e-mail yesterday asking the council to reconsider the approval and to put off the vote until they get more input.

He said that despite the landlords’ involvement in writing ordinances under the previous mayor, there was no discussion with landlords about the current proposed changes.

The council meets at 6 p.m. tonight at Columbus City Hall.