Hampstead reports rental-license compliance; town to apply late fees

Town staff reported progress on the town’s rental-housing licensing program and said the town will begin applying late fees and sending noncompliance letters to property owners who have not submitted required applications. “There are over 480 rental units located on 280 rental properties in Hampstead,” Town Manager Jim Rolle said. He told the council that as of the morning of the meeting the town had received about 215 completed applications and payments that cover more than 380 rental units. Rolle said the license fee is $100 per rental unit and that the town will begin applying a $50 late fee for properties that do not comply. Rolle described an exemption process for certain properties (for example, properties temporarily occupied by relatives or not actually rented) in which owners may check a box on the form to claim the exemption; he said when exemptions and active applications are counted the town has received returns on more than 80% of the mailings. He also noted the town’s enforcement approach is primarily administrative and relies in part on voluntary compliance — “the honor system” — for vacant properties that later become rented. Staff noted one property has 13 rental units; the owner faces a potential $650 late fee if the filings and payments are not received before late fees are applied. The council instructed staff to continue outreach and enforcement steps the town uses, including late letters and phone contact.