(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, and the interpretation and application thereof, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein, unless the context in which they are used shall indicate otherwise. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural number and words in the plural number include the singular number. Words or phrases not defined shall be given their common and ordinary meaning unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
COMMON AREA. Any area in a rented or leased building that is not within the dwelling unit and is or may be used by all persons occupying the building.
DESIGNATED AGENT. Any person or business entity hired or appointed to oversee the property that is being rented for residential purposes. This term shall also include any person that the owner has designated to accept notices and processes.
DWELLING UNIT. Any single or multi-family dwellings with multiple units, rooming house, town home or condominium.
LANDLORD. A person, trustee, corporation, business entity, condominium owner, townhouse owner, homeowners association or other title holder engaged in renting, leasing or operating a dwelling unit.
TENANT. Any person who resides in a dwelling unit, regardless of whether or not a written lease has been executed between the tenant and the landlord.
VACANT. Any of the following: having no content within, empty, void, without an incumbent or occupant, unfilled.
(B) Residential rental license required. No landlord shall rent, lease or operate a dwelling unit unless a valid residential rental license has been issued by the village.
(C) Residential rental license; application and renewal.
(1) Application. No residential rental license under this section shall be issued except upon application filed with the Village Clerk, on forms provided by the village. Application for a residential rental license shall be made in the name of the landlord of the dwelling unit. The application shall set forth, but not be limited to the following information:
(a) Name, home address, and business address of the landlord, a home phone number, work phone number, cellular phone number and facsimile number of the landlord. Post office boxes will not be accepted;
(b) If the applicant designates an agent, the application shall also set forth the name, address and telephone number of the designated agent and the authority of the designated agent to rent, manage, make expenditures and to accept notices and process. Post office boxes will not be accepted;
(c) The address of the dwelling unit and number of units in the dwelling unit; and
(d) Such other information as the village may require from time to time.
(2) Renewal. Application for renewal shall be made in the same manner as for a new residential rental license. No residential rental license shall be renewed unless application has been made within 30 days prior to the expiration date of a currently valid residential rental license.
(D) Crime Free Housing Committee (CFHC). There shall be a Crime free Housing Committee consisting of the following members that shall be responsible, among other tasks, for issuing residential rental licenses, conducting Crime Free Housing Seminars, and carrying out residential rental license hearings:
(1) Fire Department head.
(2) Police Department head.
(3) Building Department head.
(4) Village Trustee.
(5) Village Clerk.
(E) Transferability.
(1) No residential rental license shall be transferable.
(2) Every person holding a residential rental license shall give written notice to the Village Clerk within 24 hours after having conveyed or otherwise transferred or disposed of the legal control of any licensed dwelling unit. Such notice shall include the name and address of the person succeeding to the ownership or control of such dwelling unit. Each new owner of a dwelling unit must obtain a new residential rental license.
(F) Residential rental licensing requirements. The CFHC shall not issue a residential rental license unless the following requirements are met:
(1) After inspection by the Building Commissioner or code enforcement official, the dwelling unit meets all applicable ordinances of the Village of Calumet Park pertaining to health, safety and fire prevention and applicable rules and regulations adopted thereto, and all laws of the State of Illinois regarding a dwelling unit.
(2) The landlord or designated agent, attends and completes the Crime-Free Housing Seminar sponsored by the village.
(3) The landlord shall provide a current list of tenants and dwelling units that they occupy. This list shall be updated by the license holder or applicant upon occupancy of any new tenant.
(4) In the event a landlord files a residential rental license application, satisfies licensing requirements and a Crime-Free Housing Seminar is not available, a conditional license may be issued. Said license must be approved by the CFHC.
(G) Residential rental license term. A residential rental license shall be issued by the CFHC in accordance with the provisions of this section for a period of one calendar year from the date of issuance, unless sooner revoked, and may be renewed annually. All residential rental licenses shall begin on May 1 and expire on April 30 of the next after issuance, unless previously revoked.
(H) Residential rental license fee.
(1) The annual fee for a residential rental license shall he paid at the time of the application. The annual fee is as follows:
(a) One unit: $100 per year.
(b) Two or more units: $200 per year.
(2) If a change in the ownership of a dwelling unit occurs during a licensing period, the residential rental license fee for the new owner shall be determined on a prorated basis.
(I) Residential rental license display. Each residential rental license shall be displayed in the foyer or other conspicuous place within the common area of the dwelling unit.
(Ord. 16-1139, passed 1-14-2016)