Title
Rental Housing Registration Proposed Program Scope
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
In May 2022, the Land Use & Environment Committee directed staff to explore options for implementing a rental housing registration program, as part of Council's update to the City's rental housing code (OMC 5.82).
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the rental housing registration proposed program scope and options.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the proposed rental housing registration program.
Staff Contact:
Christa Lenssen, Housing Program Specialist, City Manager's Office, 360.570.3762
Presenter(s):
Christa Lenssen, Housing Program Specialist, City Manager's Office
Background and Analysis:
In May 2022, the Land Use & Environment Committee directed staff to explore options for implementing a rental housing registration program, as part of the City Council's update to the City's rental housing code (OMC 5.82). The City Council adopted an ordinance amending OMC 5.82 in August 2022 to limit move-in fees and security deposits, as well as notice periods required for rent increases.
The Committee identified the following goals for a registration program:
* Gather data about rental housing in Olympia
* Share information and resources with landlords
* Ensure basic life, health and safety in rental housing
Staff from Housing, Code Enforcement, Building Inspections, and Community Planning & Development met regularly to review peer city programs and options. Staff interviewed peer cities to learn more about program models, staffing structure, and sample code language. Staff will present information regarding legal authority to require inspections, peer city programs, proposed structure, resources needed to implement proposed program structure, additional policy and program considerations for developing a rental housing registration and inspection program.
In the proposed program model, an annual City-issued rental housing registration or permit would ...
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