Landlords who rent out houses, duplexes or townhomes in Allen would have to register each property with the city, pay a yearly fee and open the home to city inspectors under a proposal the City Council takes up on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Two items on the regular agenda go together. The first is an ordinance adding a new Article XI, "Single-Family Rental Registration," to Chapter 6 of the city code, which covers health and environment. The second is a resolution setting the fees that would pay for the program. The council heard about the proposed Single Family Rental Inspection Program at its Sept. 22 workshop.
Who would have to register
The ordinance covers any single-family home, duplex unit or townhome, or part of one, that is rented or offered for rent for 30 days or more. Each rental location would need its own certificate of registration, though a duplex with both units under the same owner would need only one. A tenant could not move into an unregistered unit.
Owners of existing rentals would have 90 days after the rule takes effect to apply. Someone who buys a rental, or turns a home into one, would have 30 days. Applications would list the owner, a property manager or local emergency contact, and people who can respond to emergencies around the clock. Registrations would expire on Dec. 31 and renew every year.
Inspections and owner duties
Under the draft, owners or managers would inspect each home before leasing it, when the occupants change and at least once a calendar year, give the tenant a written report and keep those reports for three years. At lease signing they would hand tenants a city program summary, a list of city and community contacts, and fair housing information.
The city could inspect on a periodic or annual basis, after complaints, or when a registration is renewed or a property changes hands or occupants. If entry is refused, the ordinance lets the director seek a warrant. Only one family, defined as no more than four unrelated people, could live in each unit. The city could suspend or revoke a registration, and owners could appeal to the city manager within five business days. Violations would be misdemeanors carrying fines of up to $500, with each day counted as a separate offense.
