AKRON
Akron seeks landlord information
The Village of Akron is still compiling a registry of residential rental properties, a move the Village Board began earlier this year when it enacted a local law aimed at achieving more accountability from landlords, especially those who live outside the community.
The original intent of the law was “targeted code enforcement” to address safety issues and curb deterioration of rental properties, said Village Attorney Daniel Shonn, who drafted the new law.
About 15 percent of village residential units are rentals, and there sometimes is a problem communicating with the landlords if there is a complaint about a property, he said.
Village officials said it can be difficult to locate the actual owner/ landlord, for example, when a post office box is the official mailing address. Tax bills are often mailed to corporations or other entities, as well.
The village clerk’s office has been working on getting forms returned. The forms were created by the building code enforcement officer, and seek the name, legal residence and telephone number of the landlord and any agent who supervises the premises on all rental dwellings. E-mail addresses are also requested.
If there is more than one owner for a property, the information is to be provided for each owner and/or agent. The form seeks information on the number and type of rental units in each property.
The law specifically addresses owners/agents who don’t reside in Erie County. For those people, the form requests the name, legal residence or business address of someone within Erie County “for the service or notices and orders” issued under the village’s building code and for filing papers relating to legal action in prosecuting violations of the building code.
There is no fee to register, but there is a $250 fine for non-compliance.
The law required registration by June 1 of all rental units existing at that effective date, but village officials acknowledge the information is still being compiled. The owner of a dwelling converted to rentals after June 1 must register the property with the village prior to allowing occupancy.
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