1751.04 ILLEGAL CONDITIONS; PENALTY.

   (a)   Upon the effective date of this section, it shall be illegal for any owner or operator to rent or offer for rent any dwelling units for use in whole or in part for human habitation, unless a written application for a letter of compliance has been filed for such dwelling unit or a valid letter of compliance has been issued for such dwelling unit.

   (b)   It shall be illegal for any person to occupy or allow any other person to occupy any dwelling unit more than the time period indicated in the Housing Inspector’s report after the effective date of the letter of noncompliance for that dwelling unit or building, or after the Housing Inspector finds that vacation of the dwelling unit or building is necessary before abatement of a nonconformance can reasonably proceed.

   (c)   It shall be illegal for any person to permit a state of nonconformance to exist, under Sections 1751.06 to 1751.10 after the time set by the Housing Inspector.

   (d)   Persons in violation under Sections 1751.06 to 1751.10 shall as a separate offense be subject to a penalty in accordance with the following schedule:

      (1)   First conviction of any offense, a fine not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

      (2)   Second conviction of the same offense, a fine not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

      (3)   Third conviction of the same offense, a fine not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

      (4)   Each successive conviction for the same offense shall result in a mandatory fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

      (5)   Persons in violation of any section or subsection shall also be liable to revocation of the letter of compliance.

   (e)   The Housing Inspector, upon finding an apparent violation of this article, may institute appropriate proceedings as detailed in this article.

(Passed 10-25-11.)