Landlords in New Hebron will be held to a higher standard beginning Aug. 7, following action by the town’s aldermen.
According to Mayor Cindy Bryan, the town passed an ordinance in July 2017 that governs property owners who rent two or more properties. That ordinance was difficult to enforce and had no teeth. The recent action has made the rules more enforceable.
Aldermen voted in June to change the ordinance to include all rental properties. Additionally, renters will not be able to have water turned on at the property if there is not a certificate of occupancy for the property.
Because renting property is a business, owners must have a privilege license to do business in the town. They must also have each property inspected and declared to be up to code by town officials. Requirements include a stove, refrigerator, and a working bathroom. The ordinance also includes a fine for operating without the inspection.
Bryan explained the process will help ensure rental property is properly maintained. She said the fees for the privilege license and inspection are minimal, with the inspection fee being $25.
Inspections can now be set up, and packets of information on the new rental requirements are available at Town Hall.
She said the intent is to improve quality of life and safety in New Hebron. Frequently, when there are disturbances in town, they involve rentals, Bryan said.
“We have had some problems with rental properties in New Hebron. This will enable the town to be sure each rental property is a safe housing option. It is a fair plan that many cities and towns have adopted across the state. Rental property is a business, and therefore we want to treat it as such and give a bit of structure and a standard for all,” officials said.
The new ordinance was approved by aldermen June 9. A legal notice was run in the Lawrence County Press July 24 outlining the ordinance and stating it would take effect Aug. 7. A complete copy of the ordinance is available at New Hebron Town Hall.
