(A) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the use and occupancy, maintenance and repair of all buildings and structures within the city used for the purpose of rental housing. The purpose of this chapter is not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefitted by the terms of this chapter.
(B) Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all buildings or portions thereof used, or designed or intended to be rented, leased, or let for human habitation. All provisions of this chapter shall apply to dwellings in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter. Rest homes, convalescent homes, nursing homes, hotels, motels, and units rented, let or leased to direct family members of the property owner are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
(C) Application to existing buildings. Additions, alterations or repairs, shall be done in compliance with the Building, Fire, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. Applicable permits shall apply as required by these codes.
(D) Certification. Properties not existing as rental property at the time of adoption of this chapter and afterward becoming rental property shall, before being certified, comply with all terms of this chapter. Properties pre-existing as rental property at the adoption of this chapter shall be allowed a reasonable time to comply. Reasonable time being defined on a case by case basis subject to the discretion of the code official, or the designate thereof.