Council OKs tougher inspection requirements for single‑family and multifamily rentals

The Stonecrest City Council on June 26 approved a second‑read ordinance amending Chapter 15 to strengthen inspection and compliance requirements for single‑family and multifamily rental dwellings.

The ordinance (TMOD 25-002) increases annual inspection coverage of multifamily units from 20% to 50% and requires a certificate of compliance covering 100% of single‑family rental units. Newly constructed units are exempt from the initial requirement but must be included in later cycles; the ordinance says no newly constructed unit shall be on consecutive compliance certificates. Inspection reports must include both internal and external checks.

The amendment incorporates language from state House Bill 399 requiring out‑of‑state landlords to maintain an in‑state broker or manager to receive tenant communications; the city will record that contact information when code enforcement has probable cause of a violation. The ordinance establishes penalties for noncompliance: municipal-court fines of not less than $200 and not more than $1,000 per dwelling unit, and city-conducted inspections (if required) at the owner’s cost; unpaid costs may become a lien on the property.

Council members framed the measure as a public-safety and habitability enforcement step to address complaints about poorly maintained rental housing. The ordinance passed on second reading by a 5–0 vote. Council and staff said the change is the “first step” in improved enforcement of rental housing standards and that staff will proceed with implementation details, including noticing for license holders and inspection scheduling.