2.1.
CC Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 02/14/2023
Information
Title:
Discussion on Rental Licensing Inspections
Purpose/Background:
This discussion follows the January 24 City Council work session discussion on Crime-Free Housing as part of the strategic plan. A proactive inspection program is an important accompaniment to the Crime-Free Housing program.
The current proactive program Ramsey has only involves inspecting common areas and mechanical systems in mulit-family buildings by the Fire Department for Fire Code related issues.
Residents of Ramsey who live in rental homes generally do not have the right to make repairs to their homes. Often, they do not want to report the needed repairs for fear of being evicted. Code Enforcement staff has responded to residents' complaints regarding their properties and provided the property owners with correction notices to get the work done. Follow-up ensures the repairs are made. Code Enforcement also receives complaints from neighbors of rental properties on maintenance issues inside and outside of those homes. A proactive regular inspection program helps keep the residents out of having to make a complaint to get needed repairs done. The inspections focus on life-safety matters involving furnaces, water heaters, and smoke/CO detectors, as well as property maintenance issues like properly working doors, chipped and peeling paint, and yard maintenance.
Ramsey has just over 1,000 apartment units and approximately 500 active single-family/townhome rental licenses. A large portion of these units are owned by a small number of corporate out-of-state rental companies that have track records in other communities of minimal maintenance.
Many neighboring and nearby communities have successful Crime-Free programs with proactive license inspections of all units, including Andover, Elk River, and Champlin.
The current proactive program Ramsey has only involves inspecting common areas and mechanical systems in mulit-family buildings by the Fire Department for Fire Code related issues.
Residents of Ramsey who live in rental homes generally do not have the right to make repairs to their homes. Often, they do not want to report the needed repairs for fear of being evicted. Code Enforcement staff has responded to residents' complaints regarding their properties and provided the property owners with correction notices to get the work done. Follow-up ensures the repairs are made. Code Enforcement also receives complaints from neighbors of rental properties on maintenance issues inside and outside of those homes. A proactive regular inspection program helps keep the residents out of having to make a complaint to get needed repairs done. The inspections focus on life-safety matters involving furnaces, water heaters, and smoke/CO detectors, as well as property maintenance issues like properly working doors, chipped and peeling paint, and yard maintenance.
Ramsey has just over 1,000 apartment units and approximately 500 active single-family/townhome rental licenses. A large portion of these units are owned by a small number of corporate out-of-state rental companies that have track records in other communities of minimal maintenance.
Many neighboring and nearby communities have successful Crime-Free programs with proactive license inspections of all units, including Andover, Elk River, and Champlin.
Timeframe:
20 minutes
Funding Source:
None identified at this time. Most licensing programs are completely funded through license fees. It is anticipated that a rental inspector will need to be hired and provided with necessary equipment and a vehicle to carry out the inspections. A preliminary estimate can be made prior to future discussions.
Responsible Party(ies):
Outcome:
Please provide direction on this topic.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 02/09/2023 03:58 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Todd Larson
- Started On:
- 02/09/2023 02:12 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 02/09/2023