SAFE HOUSING RENTAL REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION PROGRAM 1
HOW TO CONTACT THE RENTAL TEAM Our Mission is to protect the life, safety, general welfare and health of all persons occupying rental dwelling units in the City limits of Edwardsville, Illinois by enforcing life safety standards pertaining to the maintenance of residential rental property. City of Edwardsville Public Works Department 200 East Park Street Edwardsville, IL 62025 Direct Line: 618-692-2331 Main Office: 618-692-7535 Fax: 618-692-7505 Email: rentalregistration@cityofedwardsville.com Website: www.cityofedwardsville.com Rental Inspection Coordinator, Denise Thibault Building Inspector, Stan Kincade Electrical Inspector, Randy Moore Public Works Director, Eric Williams 2
ORDINANCE February of 2009 the City adopted a voluntary Rental Registration Program. November 19, 2013 the City adopted a mandatory Rental Registration and Inspection Program effective January 1, 2014. Copy of the Ordinance is online at: www.cityofedwardsville.com/rental 3
RENTAL REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION FEES Anyone who owns or operates residential rental property in the City limits of Edwardsville must register their property(s) January 1 st of each year. Fee Structure Annual Fee Single Family/Mobile Home Per Building $40.00 Duplexes Per Building ($30/side) $60.00 Multi-Family (3+ Units) Per Unit $25.00 Late Registration $250.00 1 st Re-Inspection $50.00 Subsequent Re-Inspection(s) $250.00 4
RENTAL REGISTRATION FORM The Annual Registration Form can be completed online and payment can be made at: www.cityofedwardsville.com. Or you can downloaded the Registration Form and mail to: City of Edwardsville City Clerk s Office 118 Hillsboro Avenue Edwardsville, IL 62025 Attn: Rental Registration Information needed for the Registration Form: Rental Unit Address, #of Units, #of Bedrooms, and #Floors (inc. basement) Owner s Name Mailing Address Email address (Optional) 24 hour Contact Number (Owner or Agent) If you have an Agent provide their mailing address & contact number Adult Tenant(s) Name(s) and contact number Name of Mortgage Holder (if applicable) Name of Buyer if Contract for Deed 5
EXTERIOR INSPECTION Roof, Gutters, and downspouts Exterior Structure Walking Surfaces Decks, Porches, Stairs Handrails, guardrails, & balusters House & Unit Numbering 6
INTERIOR INSPECTION Egress Smoke Alarms Windows Electrical Shock hazards HVAC Infestation 7
CITY OF EDWARDSVILLE ADOPTED CODES International Building Code 2006 Edition International Fire Code 2006 Edition NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2000 Edition Illinois State Plumbing Code 2004 Edition National Electrical Code 2005 Edition (with amendments) International Mechanical Code 2006 Edition International Property Maintenance Code 2006 Edition International Residential Code 2006 Edition (with amendments) International Energy Conservation Code 2009 Edition Americans with Disabilities Act Illinois Accessibility Code City Land Development Code & Zoning Ordinance Existing Building Code 2006 Edition 8
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR AN INSPECTION We strongly recommend that you conduct your own inspection or walk thru each rental unit/ dwelling prior to the City s inspection to assure they are in the best condition possible and correct any potential violations. Please use the Safe Housing Checklist as a guide and view the A copy of What to Expect During An Inspection both can be viewed on the Rental Website: www.cityofedwardsville.com/rental We would be happy to answer any question you may have. Feel free to contact us at 618-692-2331 or 618-692-7535. 9
SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO BRING TO INSPECTION Batteries (for smoke detectors) Smoke Detectors (in case some are missing or damaged) Outlet & light switch covers Light bulbs (in case some are missing) Step stool or ladder Tool box or screwdriver Keys for each building/unit Pen & paper for your notes It is not mandatory to have these items on hand. Sometimes Owners or Property Managers are able to make minor repairs on site. 10
WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE INSPECTION? WE ONLY REQUIRE THAT THE PROPERTY OWNER, OWNER S AGENT, OR REPRESENTATIVE BE PRESENT FOR THE INSPECTION. TENANTS CAN BE PRESENT BUT IT IS NOT MANDATORY. 11
VIOLATIONS If a violation can not be corrected on site you will receive: A Copy of the Inspection Report with a Compliance Date Corrections may require a physical re-inspection or photographic evidence as indicated by the Inspector. 12
SCHEDULE RE-INSPECTIONS Contact the Rental Inspection Coordinator prior to Correction Date indicated on the Inspection Report at 618-692-2331 or via email at rentalregistration@cityofedwardsville.com Re-inspection is necessary by deadline to avoid fines. 13
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS Permits are required for major repairs, some interior renovations and other maintenance activities as deemed necessary by the Building Official. Please contact the Public Works Department at 618-692-7535 to verify if a permit is necessary. Permits and inspections are necessary to ensure the health and safety of the citizens and to ensure that all work performed is done in a workmanlike manner. 14
GFCI S GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A GFCI has two buttons: a test and a reset button. The National Electrical Code requires GFCI Outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, unfinished basements, laundry sinks, wet bar sinks, garages and outdoor outlets. A properly working GFCI outlet is intended to protect you from a shock hazard due to wet or damp floors, or areas like a kitchen counter surface or bathroom where water is present. 15
SHOCK HAZARDS Typically we see shock hazards in the following areas: Unsecured wiring to ceiling and walls Exposed wiring along walls Exposed and unsecured wiring under kitchen cabinet (for garbage disposal) 16
EGRESS Sleeping Rooms require Two (2) means of egress (escape). Windows are required to provide no less than 5.7 square feet of opening within the parameters of the code requirements of no less than 24 inches tall and/or 20 inches wide and no more than 44 inches from the window sill to the floor. Please contact us at 618-692-2331 if you have any concerns regarding the size of the egress window. 17
EGRESS Even if you have working smoke detectors in every room, they do not help you if fire or smoke is blocking the sole exit such as the stairway of a basement. If that stairway is blocked you can be trapped. That s why an escape route is necessary and required. 18
COMBUSTION AIR If you have a fuel burning furnace or water heater you must have adequate combustion air to maintain proper furnace operations. Louvered door or vents may help if not in an open space. 19
WATER HEATERS A Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) Discharge Pipe is required and should extend down to a safe location, typically 6 to 12 inches above the floor level. A pipe too close to the floor could end up submerged and could siphon dirty water into the tank causing cross contamination as well as cause splash concerns. A pipe too far off of the floor is also a splash concern. 20
GUARDRAILS AND HANDRAILS All interior and exterior stairways containing over 4 risers shall have a graspable handrail on one side of stairs 30 inches minimum, 42 inches maximum 30 Min 42 Max 21
BALUSTER SPACING Open stairs, landings, porch, decks or other walking surfaces 30 inches above grade or floor below must have guardrails and balusters with a maximum 4 inch spacing (interior and exterior) 22
MOLD Illinois Department of Public Health David Webb, Environmental Toxicologist david.r.webb@illinois.gov 618-656-6680 x 222 www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/mold 23
ZONING REGULATIONS R-1 Single Family Zoning Upstairs or basement apartments are prohibited unless "grandfathered. The property owner must prove it is a "legit" grandfathered use. If not the use must cease. Illegal conversions are NEVER grandfathered regardless of how many years have passed. 24
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS Prohibited: Rooms or apartments over a garage Convert a garage into an apartment. 25
HABITABLE ROOMS IRC 304.3, IRC 305.1 26
UTILITY BILLS Section 118-98 (a) of the City s Codified Ordinances states that the occupant shall be primarily responsible for payment for utility service (water, sewer, and trash) at such premises; however, the owner of the premises shall be responsible for payment for the service if the occupant fails to pay. Such service is furnished to the premises by the city only upon the condition that the occupant of the premises shall be liable therefore to the city. The Rental Inspection Coordinator is working with the City Clerk s office to update the Landlord database. In hopes to notify the landlord when tenant utility bills are late or unusually high. 27
EMERGENCY RESPONSE Buildings shall have address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. Minimum of 4 inches in height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches. The numbers shall contrast with their background. 28
EMERGENCY RESPONSE If you have multi family units, we suggest that you place unit numbers on the Gas and Electric Meters to help the emergency response team isolate an issue quickly if needed. 29
FIRE PREVENTION The most important job of the fire service is fire prevention. In Edwardsville, we are proud to say that, even in a growing city, we have reduced the number of devastating fires each year. A number of programs have helped to reduce our fire losses. State and city laws, which require smoke detectors in every home continue to save lives through early warning. The city has adopted the most modern fire codes and building codes, and a vigorous code enforcement program for new and existing buildings has been effective. Public education programs are a top priority, and our firefighters frequently spread the word through appearances at schools, scout meetings, business and civic organization meetings. Unfortunately, fires do still occur. When that happens, our firefighters are ready to respond at a moments notice 24 hours a day. Our career firefighters are supplemented with firefighters from the Volunteer Division. All our firefighters train continuously, and advanced training is encouraged. The vehicles and equipment provided by the city are first rate, and we are proud to serve you whenever needed. 30
SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS Smoke Detectors are required on each level, each sleeping room, and within 15 feet of each sleeping room. If you have gas appliances or an attached garage, carbon monoxide detectors are required on each level, and within 15 feet of each sleeping room. 31
SMOKE DETECTORS Owner s responsibility to install all required smoke detectors. Tenant s responsibility to change batteries and test. Locations Required: Each level of home Each bedroom or sleeping room Within 15 feet of each bedroom or sleeping room 32
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS Required: In homes that have fuel burning appliances If you have an Attached Garage Owner s responsibility to install all required detectors. Locations Required: on each floor of home within 15 feet of each Sleeping Room 33
POLICE DEPARTMENT How to Contact the Police Department or Community Service Officers: Emergency (Life Threatening) Call - 911 Non-Emergency Call 656-2131 34
POLICE & COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS Parking Trash/Yard Maintenance Parties Occupancy Animal Complaints Drug Activity 35
PARKING Common Complaints: Blocking Drives, Mailboxes, etc. (Sec. 114.283; Cannot Park Within 20 Feet of Curbside Mailbox Between 9A 4P, Mon Sat.) Obstructing Right Away Parking in Yards. Sec. 1250.13, Planning & Zoning: (Residential Districts: Required Parking Spaces Located in Any Residential District Shall Be Located On The Same Lot As The Dwelling. Shall Not Be Located in Any Front Yard, But May Be Located on the Side or Rear Yards.) Sec. 114-278: Parking of Commercial, RV, & Storage of Vehicles 36
TRASH/YARD MAINTENANCE Yard/Weed Maintenance: Grass Cannot Be Taller Than 8 Inches, Sec. 122-56 Trash Cans and Debris: Trash Cans left out by curb too long (Sec. 98-5; Put Out No More Than 12 Hours Before and Removed Within 12 Hours After Collection.) Trash Left Scattered/Stored on Property (Sec. 74-83; Littering or Sec. 74-85; Junk Vehicle Storage) Reflects Poorly on Property & Attracts Skunks/mice/rats/etc. 37
PARTIES Typical Complaints: Noise Too Loud and/or Too Late Too Many People Creating Parking & Noise Issues Visitors On Other People s Property Trash All Over Drug Use or Underage Drinking 38
TYPICAL POLICE RESPONSE TO PARTIES Officers Respond When Called: May Warn/Cite/Arrest (Depending on Circumstances) Encourage Officers to Notify Property Owners/Managers 39
TYPICAL TENANT RESPONSE AT PARTIES Cooperate With Officers or Turn Off Lights and/or Argumentative/Provide False Information. Officers May Call Property Owner/Manager to Respond to Assist With Restoring Order and Identifying Renters. Tenants Will Be Identified Cited at Some Point Regardless of Refusing to Answer Door. 40
OCCUPANCY No more than three (3) unrelated people can live together in a rental property/unit regardless of how many bedrooms are contained in the property. This code is strictly enforced and there are penalties for violation of this ordinance. 41
TENANT AND NEIGHBORS Encourage tenants to have respect for neighbors and Police Officers. Keep up to date Contact Information for Occupants. If tenants are students, ask for Contact Information for parents or guardians in case of an emergency. 42
ANIMAL COMPLAINTS Complaints: Barking Dog, Too many animals, Unrestrained animals, or Not Cared For Animals. Nuisance Animals: Call Non-Emergency Phone Line and Request a Community Service Officer (CSO) Who Will Advise if They Can Assist. (Skunks, Raccoons, etc.) 43
ANIMAL COMPLAINTS CONTINUED Sec. 14-2; Animal Shelters; Permits, No More Than 3 Domestic Animals Within City Limits. Sec. 14-3; Animal Restraint, All Dogs Kept Under Restraint, Sec. 14-6; Provide Proper Care With Food, Water & Shelter. Owner is Also Responsible for Removal of Animal Excrement Deposited on Both Public & Private Property. 44
DRUG ACTIVITY PEOPLE USING OR SELLING DRUGS AT PROPERTY SIGNS: PEOPLE COMING ALL HOURS OF DAY OBSERVED HAND EXCHANGES NOXIOUS ODORS PARAPHERNALIA LYING AROUND PROPERTY UNDERAGE PEOPLE AROUND EXTREME SECURITY WINDOWS BLACKED OUT 45
WHAT IF THERE IS DRUG ACTIVITY AT MY PROPERTY? BE OBSERVANT CHECK THE PROPERTY OFTEN, GET TO KNOW THE NEIGHBORS AND WHAT THEY THINK OF THE TENANTS, CHECK WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THEY HAVE BEEN RECEIVING ANY COMPLAINTS AND LET THE TENANTS KNOW YOU KEEP AN EYE ON THE PROPERTY IF OBSERVED CALL THE POLICE IF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IS HAPPENING - EVICT 46
ASSET FORFEITURE 720 ILCS 5/37 & 725 ILCS 150/1 THESE ACTS AUTHORIZE POLICE DEPARTMENTS TO SEEK CRIMINAL CHARGES AND/OR FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY KNOWINGLY USED IN THE COMMISSION OF THE CANNABIS CONTROL ACT, THE METHAMPHETAMINE CONTROL & COMMUNITY ACT, AND/OR THE ILLINOIS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACT. 47
OTHER POLICE ISSUES Trespassing Issues Alcohol on Public & Private Lots/Roads Underage Kids (Laws on Contributing to Delinquency of Minors & Civil Liability) 48
HELPFUL RESOURCES Illinois Department of Public Health www.dph.illinois.gov Illinois Attorney General Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov Madison County Illinois www.co.madison.il.us City of Edwardsville www.cityofedwardsville.com 49