Whenever the inspector, in the enforcement of the housing code, finds that a condition exists which requires immediate action to protect the health or safety of the occupants and/or the general public, the inspector may, without notice or hearing, issue an order reciting the existence of such a condition and requiring that action be taken such as the inspector deems necessary to abate the condition. If necessary, the director may order that the premises be vacated forthwith, and said premises shall not be reoccupied until the order to make repairs has been complied with. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, such order shall be effective immediately or in the time and manner prescribed by the order itself. (1978 Code §17-3)
Notwithstanding section 17-5-11 of this chapter, rent shall be abated if the inspector issues an emergency order for failure to comply with this chapter and the owner fails to repair the condition giving rise to the order within five (5) days. Rent abatement means that the owner may not recover rent from the tenant. The effective date of the abatement is the date the inspector issues the emergency order. Notice to the owner and tenant of the rent abatement shall be given in the same manner as in section 17-5-11 of this chapter. (Ord. 17-4727, 10-3-2017)