5/24/20151 Single Family Rental Inspection Program and Ordinance

2 December 5 th 2005 Council Workshop Session Direction from City Council: Establish a Single Family Rental Inspection Program Create a Single Family Rental Inspection Ordinance

3 Program Basics  Inform the public by newspaper, City web page, water billing, etc., of a single family/townhome rental inspection program  No registration is required  No fee is required  Unless major life safety issues are found, a temporary Certificate of Occupancy will be issued in cases where other violations are found (i.e. occupants can move in while punch list items [minor violations] are being worked on).  Initiate the program by the following: a. Initial phone call by owner. b. Transfer of water services by tenant/owner c. Complaint basis by tenant or owner See Scenario #1, Scenario #2 and Scenario #3 for program implementation consideration

4 Inspection Areas Electrical Hazards (exposed conductors, electrical service panels) Existing Plumbing (visible leaks, fixtures) Interior Structure Conditions (walls, Ceiling) Smoke Detectors (located in required locations) Foundation Conditions (cracks/breaks) Stairs, Hand/Guardrail Condition Roof/Gutter Condition (watertight & secure) Exterior Surfaces (rotted, unpainted materials) Exits From Homes (including operable bedroom windows)

5 Inspection Areas (continued) Chimney Conditions Heating Equipment (water heater/furnace) A/C Equipment Condition Infestation (roaches, rodents, etc.) Garbage & Debris (inside and outside) Accessory Buildings (structural condition) Fence Condition (rotted, upright position) Driveway/Sidewalk Hazards (cracks, breaks) Address Posted

6 Scenario #1: Initial Phone Call By Owner  Building Inspection and property owner/tenant establish time of inspection  Inspect property  If no repairs are needed – Certificate of Occupancy issued to owner/green tag issued to tenant  Identify needed improvements  Leave written tag (identifying needed repairs)  Allow days to resolve listed repairs (time limit based on complexity of repairs needed)  Re-inspection Repairs Made – Certificate of Occupancy is issued to owner/green tag issued to tenant Repairs Not Made - Allow additional days to repair and contact Building Inspections for a re-inspection 2 nd Re-inspection - If repairs are not made, citations may be issued per ordinance

7 Scenario #2: Transfer of Water Services  Tenant sets up deposit for water service and is given notification of rental inspection program requirements for the owner  Finance collects water deposit and notifies the Building Inspection division of tenant change  Finance issues a work order for water service connection (service is connected by Public Services)  Building Inspection secures property owner address and forwards letter to notify owner regarding rental inspection program (Contact is made by phone if available)  Building Inspection and property owner/tenant establish time of inspection  Inspect property  If no repairs are needed – Certificate of Occupancy issued to owner/green tag issued to tenant

8 Scenario #2: Transfer of Water Services (continued)  Identify needed improvements  Leave written tag (identifying needed repairs)  Allow days to resolve listed repairs (time limit based on complexity of repairs needed)  Re-inspection Repairs Made – Certificate of Occupancy is issued to owner/green tag issued to tenant Repairs Not Made - Allow additional days to repair and contact Building Inspections for a re-inspection. 2 nd Re-inspection - If repairs are not made, citations may be issued per ordinance.

9 Scenario #3: Complaint Basis By Tenant or Owner  The City receives a complaint by the owner or tenant  Schedule an inspection and inspect property  Identify needed improvements  Leave written tag (identifying needed repairs)  Allow days to resolve listed repairs (time limit based on complexity of repairs needed)  Re-inspection Repairs Made – Certificate of Occupancy is issued to owner/green tag issued to tenant Repairs Not Made - Allow additional days to repair and contact Building Inspections for a re-inspection 2 nd Re-inspection - If repairs are not made, citations may be issued per ordinance

10 General Notes In the event that the Building Official fails to complete the initial inspection of the rental unit within three (3) working days after receiving the Application for a Certificate of Occupancy or within two (2) working days after receiving a request for re-inspection, the owner or new tenant of the rental unit may make connections for water utilities. When a rental unit passes two (2) inspections within two (2) calendar years and no complaints regarding property condition are received by the City during the same time period, that rental unit will not be required to file an Application for a Certificate of Occupancy for the succeeding five (5) calendar years.

11 Possible Program Staff and Fee Considerations Program will be re-evaluated after one year to assess degree of participation, staff workload impacts, response time, data collection or documentation requirements, etc.