Pontiac mayor and code enforcement manager tackle unregistered rental properties crisis

During the recent Pontiac City Council meeting, a significant focus was placed on addressing the issue of unregistered rental properties in the city. Mayor Grama, alongside Code Enforcement Manager Jack McIntyre, outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at identifying and enforcing regulations on these properties, which have long been a concern for community safety and housing standards.

Mayor Grama expressed gratitude for the efforts of McIntyre and his team, noting that while progress has been made in inspecting registered rental properties, a substantial number of rental units remain unregistered. This situation poses challenges for the city, as it complicates enforcement and oversight. McIntyre emphasized the department's commitment to tackling this issue, revealing that they have identified approximately 58,000 open code enforcement cases since reorganizing the department in late 2022.

In the past year, the code enforcement team conducted over 9,500 inspections of registered rental properties, a notable increase from previous years. They also reported a 24% rise in district court appearances related to rental inspections, resulting in 33 court-ordered abatements—an impressive 200% increase. To further expedite the process, the court has granted an additional 100 possible docket days for pre-hearing conferences, specifically targeting unregistered rentals and violations.

McIntyre detailed a proactive approach to identifying unregistered properties, utilizing data from the county's assessing office to compile a list of non-principal residence exemption (PRE) properties. This initiative aims to distinguish between occupied and vacant properties, with the assumption that occupied non-PRE properties are likely rentals. The team has already assessed 1,600 properties in just three weeks, moving swiftly to enforce compliance.

The meeting highlighted the city's determination to hold property owners accountable, with plans to issue tickets and pursue legal action against those who fail to register their rental properties. This initiative not only aims to improve housing standards but also seeks to enhance the overall safety and quality of life for Pontiac residents.

As the city continues to address these pressing issues, the council's efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that all rental properties meet the necessary regulations, ultimately fostering a safer and more accountable community for all residents.