1. Required Registration. After the effective date hereof, no person shall rent, lease, let, operate or otherwise allow the occupancy of any dwelling unit or any portion of any dwelling unit (including sleeping rooms) unless they hold a valid rental inspection certificate issued by the Inspection Services Department.
2. Registration Fees. The fees for activities and services performed by the Inspection Services Department in carrying out the responsibilities under this code shall be adopted by resolution of the City Council.
3. Issuance. Following submission of a proper registration application, on forms provided by the Inspection Services Department, and review of the residential rental unit for compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the Inspection Services Department shall issue a rental certificate to the owner.
4. Rental Certificate Displayed. The owner of a multi-family dwelling shall display a copy of the rental certificate in a common hallway or each building or in the on-site management office. The owner of a single-family or duplex dwelling must be able to show a copy of the rental certificate upon request.
5. New Units: New construction projects, which have received a Final inspection and have passed and hold a full Certificate of Occupancy within the last two years from the adoption date of this ordinance and has all required owner/agent information on file with the City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, shall be considered to be in compliance with rental inspection certificate and fee requirements for a period of five (5) years from the adoption date.
6. Expiration: Prior to the expiration date of the rental certificate, the Inspection Services Department shall mail a renewal notice to the owner advising of the requirements for renewal of the rental certificate. Failure of the owner to complete the requirements for renewal will result in a late payment penalty being applied to the balance owed. If the renewal in not completed with thirty (30) days following the expiration of the rental certificate, a notice of violation will be issued to the property owner.
7. Revocation: Any rental certificate may be summarily revoked by the City Council upon review of a notice of violation of any provision of this chapter. If, at the discretion of the building inspector, an emergency exists which threatens the immediate health, safety or general welfare of the occupant(s) or general public, the building official may immediately issue an order suspending the rental certificate. Upon issuance of the order, the occupant(s) of the unit(s) shall immediately vacate the premises until the rental certificate is reinstated.
8. Transfer: Rental certificates shall not be transferable to succeeding owners. Rental certificates shall automatically terminate and become null and void, without further action of the city, upon transfer of property ownership execution of an agreement to purchase property on contract.
A. Every seller of a residential rental property shall give notice to the Inspection Services Department with seven (7) days after closing or execution of a contract for sale. This notice shall include the name and address of the buyer.
B. Every buyer of residential rental property, including contract buyer, shall give notice to the Inspection Services Department within seven (7) days after closing. This notice shall include the name and address of the buyer and his/her agent.
9. Outstanding Issues: if an owner has outstanding fees, fines or violations on any property with the City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa the issuance of a rental certificate may be withheld by the Inspection Services Department.