November 23, 2009

 

ELMIRA --- Elmira landlords now have to register and certify their properties with the city.
     The Elmira City Council approved the ordinance Monday night, after working on it for over a year.
     The ordinance requires landlords to register and certify their properties with the city.
     There is no cost to register, but you'll end up paying $375 if you don't.
     Under the new ordinance, the city can yank your certification for chronic violations.
     It would then be illegal for you to rent your property.
     Some landlords say that isn't fair .
     “The fact of the matter is you really can't control what your tenants, do we're not law enforcement officers,” said landlord, Joel Uhler.
     But City Mayor John Tonello says de-certification is not a blind process.
     There would be a court hearing.
     “We recognize that there are problems with the tenants that even the best landlords cant anticipate,” he said.
     Tonello says he's working with the District Attorney's office to reinstate the appearance ticket procedure, putting the burden on tenants rather than landlords.
     “If a tenant is trashing a landlords place that needs to go to court,” he said. “We need to facilitate criminal proceedings in that case.”
     Tonello says the ordinance provides the city with a way to contact property owners if something's wrong.
     Landlords who live outside of Chemung County will need to designate a local agent for contact.
     “I think anything that can help get a hold of these folks and have people that you can put a face to and address these issues in a timely manner is good for everyone involved,” said Kevin McInerny, who owns a number of properties in Elmira.
     After the meeting, the landlords said they actually support the new ordinance, but only if the city follows through with punishing trouble tenants as well.