LCI KICKS-OFF SECOND PHASE OF RESIDENTIAL RENTAL LICENSE PROGRAM

(12/14/2009) For Immediate Release FOR MORE INFORMATION:

December 14, 2009 Jessica Mayorga, Director of Public Information

203-946-7660, 203-627-4224 (cell)

CITY OF NEW HAVEN

OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

165 CHURCH STREET NEW HAVEN, CT 06510

TEL.203.946.7660 FAX.203.946.4866

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-PRESS RELEASE-

LCI KICKS-OFF SECOND PHASE OF RESIDENTIAL RENTAL LICENSE PROGRAM

NEW HAVEN—New Haven’s Livable City Initiative (LCI) announced that it will begin Phase II of the Residential Rental License Program, which requires landlords to obtain a license from the City in order to rent their property for occupancy.

“This is an important program that helps us ensure that New Haven residents are living in safe and humane environments,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “We are encouraged by the results of the first three years of this program and ask landlords who haven’t stepped-up yet to contact LCI and participate in this life-saving program.”

Launched in 2006, the Residential Rental License Program ordinance was created to protect the health, safety and welfare of City residents while preserving and improving the quality of existing rental properties. This license is required when one or more dwelling units are rented in a two or more unit residential structure. Owner-occupied units, single family homes, units owned by the Housing Authority of New Haven (HANH), hotel, motels, condominiums and temporary homes do not need a residential rental license.

In order to obtain a mandatory license, a landlord must schedule an inspection with LCI to ensure that a property meets minimum housing requirements. If a property fails to meet these standards, an owner must make the necessary repairs within 30 days in order to procure a license. For violations that present immediate hazards, less time is given for repairs to be completed. After the allotted time for repairs has expired, inspectors return to homes to ensure that all work has been done. When a unit fails a second inspection, a new timeline is given to the landlord at which time the inspector will return to re-evaluate the unit. Property owners are required to purchase these licenses ranging in cost from $75 for 2-3 unit multi-family homes to $350 for buildings with 20 or more units.

This program is designed to protect the character and stability of residential areas, educate the public about basic housing code standards as they related to health and life safety issues, prevent overcrowding and improve property values throughout New Haven.

“Through this program we’ve uncovered dangerous housing code violations and been able to step in to make sure that these conditions are corrected. In one case, this program helped us save the lives of a woman and her child who were being exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Rafael Ramos, Deputy Director, LCI. “This program is serious and it makes a difference; we just need all landlords to do the right thing by completing the registration and inspection process.”

Tenants who are living in rental units that have not been inspected and licensed are encouraged to contact their landlords. Owners of rental properties who have not yet obtained a license should contact LCI and schedule an inspection immediately. If an owner or renter is unsure if their dwelling is licensed or if a license is required, they are encouraged to contact LCI at 203-946-7090. For more information on the Residential Rental License Program, please visit www.cityofnewhaven.com, select Livable City Initiative from the drop-down menu and click on Residential License Program in the left sidebar.

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