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Rental Registration & Inspection
On April 01, 2010, the Wilmer City Council passed Ordinance No. 10-0401A recognizing the need for an organized inspection program of residential rental units within the city in order to insure rental units meet city and state safety, health, fire and zoning codes and to provide a more efficient system for compelling both absentee and local landlords to correct violations and to maintain rental properties within the city.
No person shall rent or occupy any dwelling subject to this article without having a valid, current certificate of occupancy for the dwelling. The certificate of occupancy issued pursuant to this article shall expire every two (2) years from the date of the biennial inspection.
Any property found to be in violation of this article is hereby declared to be a nuisance. In addition to any other relief provided by Ordinance No. 10-401A, the city attorney may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction to prohibit the continuation of any violation.
- When did the Rental Registration and Inspection Program begin?
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The City Council adopted the Ordinance on April 1, 2010.
- What facilities are governed by this ordinance?
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A single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, multifamily dwelling, dormitory, boardinghouse, lodging house, tourist house, rooming unit or combination of any such dwelling unit as defined herein.
- How does one comply with the Rental Registration and Inspection Program?
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A property must first be registered and then pass an interior and exterior inspection.
- How often must an owner register residential rental property?
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Registration of every residential rental property must be renewed annually on or before June 1st.
- What are the responsibilities of the property owner or agent?
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Owners must:
- Not permit occupancy of property that has not passed a rental inspection
- Pay all taxes, liens, abatement fees, fines, etc.
- Maintain all structures, equipment, and furnished appliances to the property
- Correct violations and maintain the property in compliance with all ordinances in the event of a dispute with the tenant or in the event that the tenant is absent or unwilling or unable to correct violations for which the tenant is otherwise responsible
- How long is a Rental Certificate of Occupancy (RCO) good for?
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An RCO must be renewed and/or updated when:
- Two years have elapsed since the RCO was issued
- There is a change of tenant/s
- When does my inspection need to be scheduled?
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Prior to occupancy or at least once every two (2) years or upon change of occupancy.
- What if my property fails inspection?
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Uncorrected violations that pose immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants must be requested and passed prior to the tenant occupying the property. Uncorrected violations that do not pose immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants, the city administrator or designee may authorize the occupancy of the premises for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days.
- What does an inspection cover?
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Inspections will cover the requirements of city and state life safety, health, fire and zoning codes.
- May a tenant request inspection of residential rental property?
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Yes, by filing a complaint the tenant may request an inspection.