Unless there are significant health or safety issues, if the property has a valid rental certificate, a tenant must first file a complaint with the owner or owners’ agent. Forms for that purpose will be available in the office of the Department of Housing.
1. An owner or agent shall have seven (7) calendar days to address the complaint. If the complaint is not remedied to the tenant’s satisfaction within seven calendar days the Department of Housing will schedule an inspection appointment with the tenant and owner.
2. If an inspection was made at the written request of a tenant and the residential rental property is found to be in non-compliance, due to an omission of the owner, such owner shall be responsible for payment of the inspection fee in accordance with Section 162.12. If an inspection was made at the written request of a tenant and the residential rental property is found to be in compliance or if such noncompliance is due to conduct on the part of the tenant, the tenant shall be liable for the cost of such inspection in accordance with Section 162.12.
3. No person shall maintain an action for eviction because the occupant has reported a violation of this chapter or a related provision of the City Code to the Department of Housing or other City officers or employees.
4. No person shall cause any service, facility, equipment or utility required under this chapter to be removed, shut off or discontinued in retaliation for a complaint.