§ 6-44. Dwelling unit rental license.

(a)

Definition. As used in this section, the term "dwelling unit" means any structure, or part thereof, used by any individual person, family, or other group of individual persons as their temporary or permanent place of abode, including, but not limited to, sleeping rooms, apartments and single family dwellings.

(b)

License required. It is unlawful for any person, as owner or tenant, to lease, let or sublet, for a consideration any dwelling unit to another person without a license therefor from the city.

(c)

Inspection required. Before issuance or renewal of any dwelling unit rental license, such unit or units, and the structure within which it is situated, shall be inspected by the city and shall comply with the Housing Code, the City Code, and all other law relating thereto.

(d)

Unlawful act. It is unlawful for any licensee to substantially modify any dwelling unit, or the structure within which it is situated, during any license year without the express authority of the city other than for essentially cosmetic changes. Issuance of a building permit shall not constitute such authority.

(e)

Absentee owners or applicants. No license shall be granted or renewed if the applicant or licensee is a nonresident of the city, unless such applicant or licensee has first appointed, in writing, a local agent upon whom service of process can be made.

(f)

Complaints. Any tenant may complain to the city and the city shall thereupon reinspect the dwelling unit. If it is found that it does not comply, the license may be revoked after a hearing thereon.

(g)

Garbage and rubbish removal. The owner of any dwelling unit requiring a license under this section is required to remove from the premises all accumulated garbage and rubbish on at least a weekly basis. If the owner fails to have the garbage removed timely after one prior written warning, the owner shall be required to contract with an approved garbage and rubbish disposal contractor.

(Ord. No. 7, 5th series, 6-18-12)