(A)
A landlord that operates a multi-family dwelling complex or lodging establishment must register with the Regulatory Compliance Department on an annual basis.
(B) The rental registration license must be current and valid in order to rent or lease a multi-family dwelling unit in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(C) The landlord of a multi-family dwelling complex or lodging establishment which is constructed after the effective date of this chapter shall register the multi-family dwelling complex or lodging establishment within 30 days after the landlord receives its certificate of occupancy, and annually thereafter.
(D) A new, late, or renewal registration is valid from the time payment of the registration fee has been made and the application has been approved through December 31 of that same year, unless the ownership of the multi-family dwelling complex or lodging establishment changes. Upon a mid-year transfer of ownership, the new owner must obtain a new registration, which shall be valid from the time payment of the registration has been made and the application has been approved through December 31 of that same year. Thereafter, registrations shall be valid from January 1 until December 31 of the year of issuance.
(E) If a change of ownership of the multi-family dwelling complex or lodging establishment occurs during the period that a registration is otherwise valid, the landlord of the multi-family dwelling complex or lodging establishment shall have 30 days from the date the change of ownership occurred to file a new registration with the Regulatory Compliance Department and pay a new registration fee. Failure to file a new registration within 30 days, including payment of the registration fee, will constitute a violation of this section.
(F) The registration shall be on a form prescribed by the Regulatory Compliance Department, and such form shall, at a minimum, contain the following information about the multifamily dwelling complex or lodging establishment:
(1) The trade name, physical address, and business address;
(2) The names, addresses, email 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 multi-family dwelling complex or lodging establishment;
(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.
(a) For purposes of this division, EMERGENCY CONDITIONS shall be defined as fires, natural disasters, floods, burst pipes, collapse hazard, violent crime, and other similar conditions as determined by the Regulatory Compliance Department.
(b) A post office box shall not suffice for the address requirements of this division (F);
(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 or guest rooms in a lodging establishment;
(7) 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;
(8) 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;
(9) If any change in the information required by this section occurs, the owner shall notify the Regulatory Compliance Department within 30 days of the change, in a manner prescribed by the Regulatory Compliance Department; and
(10) A landlord commits an offense if the landlord knowingly operates a multifamily dwelling complex or lodging establishment which is not currently registered with the city under the provisions of this section.
(Ord. OR-2225-21, passed 10-11-21; Am. Ord. OR-2232-21, passed 12-13-21; Am. Ord. OR-2251-22, passed 5-9-22; Am. Ord. OR-2353-24, passed 3-25-24)