Binghamton Council reviews proactive rental housing inspection program to enhance tenant safety

Binghamton City Council is taking significant steps to enhance housing safety and tenant rights through a proposed proactive code enforcement program. During a recent town hall meeting, council members discussed the need for a systematic approach to identify and address hazardous living conditions in rental properties, aiming to protect the health and safety of occupants.

Currently, the process for addressing property violations is reactive, relying on tenant complaints that can lead to lengthy legal proceedings. This often leaves tenants living in unsafe conditions for extended periods, as cases can take 12 to 18 months to resolve. The new proactive program seeks to change this by requiring all landlords to register their rental properties and demonstrate their habitability before collecting rent.

Under the proposed legislation, landlords will need to obtain a license by registering their properties annually. This registration will include detailed information about the property and its owner, as well as any past code violations. A fee of $100 per unit will be charged, with a maximum fee of $2,500 per property. Reduced fees will be available for landlords with a clean compliance record.

The proactive inspections will occur every three years, with an initial inspection required upon registration. A crucial aspect of this program is that landlords will not be able to evict tenants from properties lacking a notice of compliance, ensuring that tenants are not displaced while living in unsafe conditions.

Additionally, the program introduces a rent escrow option, allowing tenants to withhold rent if their building does not have a current notice of compliance. This measure aims to incentivize landlords to maintain their properties and ensure they meet safety standards.

The council emphasized that the rollout of this program will be phased in over at least three years, with further discussions needed on implementation logistics. The proactive code enforcement initiative represents a significant shift in Binghamton's approach to housing safety, aiming to create a more equitable and secure living environment for all residents.