(a) The landlord of a multifamily dwelling complex shall annually register the complex with the director.
(b) The landlord of a multifamily dwelling complex which is constructed after the effective date of this ordinance shall register the complex within 30 days after the complex receives its certificate of occupancy, and annually thereafter.
(c) A registration is valid for one year from the date the completed registration form is filed in the office of the director, and payment of the registration fee has been made, unless the ownership of the complex changes.
(d) If a change of ownership of the complex occurs during the period that a registration is otherwise valid, the landlord of the complex shall have 30 days from the date the change of ownership occurred to file a new registration with the director, and pay a new registration fee.
(e) The registration shall be on a form prescribed by the director, and shall at a minimum contain the following information about the complex:
(1) The trade name, physical address and business address;
(2) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owner, property manager, resident manager, registered agent, and all federal, state and local funding agencies; and the type of business entity which owns the complex;
(3) The names and physical addresses of designated employees or authorized representatives who shall be assigned to respond to emergency conditions, and a telephone number where said employees can be contacted during any 24-hour period. Emergency conditions shall include fire, natural disaster, flood, burst pipes, collapse hazard and violent crime. A post office box shall not suffice for the address requirements of this subsection (e);
(4) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of any mortgagees;
(5) A copy of a site plan depicting the total number of all buildings within the complex, including a description of the use of each building and the location of each building within the complex;
(6) The total number of dwelling units;
(7) The number of dwelling units per category, with the categories based on the number of sleeping rooms in a unit;
(8) The number and type of security systems and fire alarm systems maintained on the premises and the names and telephone numbers of the alarm companies which respond to alarms or relay alarms to emergency services;
(9) If the property is owned by a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, trust or real estate investment trust, the name and physical address of any of the following:
a. For a corporation, a corporate officer;
b. For a partnership, a general partner;
c. For a limited liability company, the managing or administrative member;
d. For a limited partnership, a general partner;
e. For a limited liability partnership, a general partner;
f. For a limited liability limited partnership, a general partner;
g. For a trust, a trustee;
h. For a real estate investment trust, a general partner or an officer; or
i. For any other legal entity not named above, a duly authorized agent.
(10) If the property is owned by a person, other than an individual, who lives outside the State of Texas, the owner shall designate a registered agent, in the State of Texas, who will accept legal service on behalf of the owner. If the property is owned by a person who is an individual and who lives outside the State of Texas, the individual shall either designate a registered agent, in the State of Texas, who will accept legal service on behalf of the owner or provide a physical address where the owner may receive legal service. A designation of a registered agent under this section shall include the name and address of the agent; and
(11) If any change in the information required by this section occurs, the owner shall notify the director within 30 days of the change, in a manner prescribed by the director.
(f) A landlord commits an offense if the landlord knowingly operates a multifamily dwelling complex which is not currently registered with the director.
(Ord. 12791, § 1, passed 12-3-1996; Ord. 13181, § 1, passed 10-2-1997; Ord. 14929, § 1, passed 1-15-2002; Ord. 17827, § 3, passed 10-9-2007; Ord. 19998-12-2011, § 4, passed 12-6-2011)