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Rental Inspections Procedures Policy <br />DRAFT - November 26, 2024 <br />A. Licensing and Inspections Rationale <br />1. For the tenants. Ramsey residents living in rental housing do not have the legal ability to make <br />improvements to the property and structure in which they live. The rental licensing inspection <br />program will assist our residents in obtaining minimum standards for their living environment. In <br />some instances, tenants do not feel comfortable reporting maintenance problems with their property <br />managers out of fear of retaliation or being billed for repairs. They may also be unaware of when <br />something is not working properly. <br />2. For the property owners. Investment property owners generally want to provide good quality <br />housing for tenants. In the event a tenant is causing damage to property, the rental licensing <br />inspection program will offer an outside verification and documentation of property conditions to <br />aid in ensuring lease requirements are being met. The regular inspection cycle will also help <br />identify minor issues before they escalate into major repairs, potentially saving property owners <br />money in the long run. Many insurance companies offer discounts to investment property owners <br />when their properties are regularly inspected. <br />3. For the neighbors. Homeowners tend to be more invested in their neighborhoods than renters are. <br />Homeowners are typically the first to complain about rental properties in the neighborhood. A <br />rental licensing inspection program gives neighbors assurances that rental properties will meet <br />minimum standards and have reasonable comply -by dates should a correction be needed. <br />4. For the whole community. Blighted and substandard properties detract from the overall value of a <br />community and therefore the reputation the community has in the region. A rental licensing <br />inspection program will help keep Ramsey looking good and being a place people want to live and <br />do business. <br />B. Definitions <br />1. Definitions for terms listed within this policy shall be found in City Code Section 26-615 <br />(Definitions, Residential Rental Dwelling Units). <br />2. For purposes of this policy, the term "property manager" shall be used as defined and to include <br />the owner(s), maintenance person, caretaker, or any individual who accompanies the rental <br />inspector on a rental inspection. <br />C. License Application <br />1. License Term — 12 months from the date of license approval. <br />2. Renewals — Renewal forms will be sent out 45 days prior to expiration. Renewal applications are <br />due prior to the expiration date of the initial license. The renewed license expires one year from <br />the expiration date of the initial license, regardless of when the renewal application is submitted. <br />Rental Inspections Procedures Policy <br />DRAFT - November 26, 2024 <br />Page 1 <br />