You will note that I do not disagree with that position. I do not advocate government involvement unless it is supported by the public. I do however feel limitations for the safety of all are a wise idea. Implemented by proposition, by public law, I think the impact of private residences for lease could be positively augmented while the risks minimized. Thank goodness awareness of the potential hazards has been recognized. To assume low risk for housing is to not really understand the responsibility of public safety borne by landlords.
What kind of regs, do you think are appropriate? I might prohibit any paid lodging in old buildings/houses, but beyond that I'm not sure what would be needed...
btw.... after Kobe I would have put a mandate in place to demolish all old houses and buildings (historic sites excepted) within 10 years.