"If they aren't able to get stable housing, that's gonna keep them in their cycle of self-destructive behavior," he said.

Lindberg said the ordinance doesn't forbid landlords from renting to people with a criminal history.

"It's simply saying we're encouraging you to get information about who you're renting to," he said.

Though the ordinance has been overhauled, the City Council can't approve it until the Legislature changes some state code, Lindberg said. Utah Code states a city that has never implemented a disproportionate fee must conduct a municipal service study before Jan. 1, 2007.

Smith, whose organization helped draft that code, said the current wording is a mistake, and they are working with state legislators to get it fixed so Provo can implement the program.

"It's an easy fix," he said.

Ogden and West Valley City have seen a 12 percent and 30 percent reduction in calls for police and fire service in high-rental neighborhoods since they implemented their programs, Smith said.

Stewart said he thinks the program will benefit Provo landlords and renters alike.

"I think people would rather live in a place where those checks have been done," he said. "It gives each of the tenants a little surety."

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