Landlords and property owners would play a greater role in combating crime on properties in unincorporated King County, under legislation introduced Thursday by King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn.

The proposed “Safer Neighborhoods Ordinance,” which is endorsed by King County Sheriff Sue Rahr and the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound, would bring landlords and tenants together with the King County Sheriff’s Office for the first time to combat drugs and violent crimes in the unincorporated areas.

Dunn of Maple Valley represents part of Renton on the County Council.

“This legislation will go a long way toward strengthening cooperation between property owners, tenants, and the County to ensure safer neighborhoods for law-abiding citizens,” said Dunn in a news release.

Under Dunn’s proposal, the Sheriff’s Office would identify “problem houses” in unincorporated King County and notify the landlord when a serious crime is committed on the property, including most Class A and B felonies as well as drug and sex offenses and the furnishing of alcohol to minors.

The legislation stems from a case in an unincorporated area outside Renton last year where residents took action to help shut down a meth house after observing more than a year of criminal activity.