South Beloit reviews draft rental registry ordinance; registration due Jan. 1, 2026, with $100 late fee

City staff presented a draft rental registry ordinance to the council on April 21 that would require property owners to register rental units with the city beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance as drafted would not impose an annual registration fee but would assess a $100 late fee for applications not submitted by January 1 each year.

The draft application would require the property address, the number of rental units, the owner’s name and contact information, and—for business-entity owners—the name and contact information for a natural person controlling the property. If a local agent manages the property, the application would require the agent’s mailing and physical addresses, email and phone number. The ordinance also includes sample lease language requiring tenants and owners to comply with South Beloit’s property maintenance, nuisance and crime-free housing ordinances; staff said the lease certification language was included after discussion with local rental-association representatives.

Council discussion split. Supporters said the registry would help staff reach absentee landlords to resolve code violations more quickly; critics argued the city should first use existing tools—such as utility or sewer billing data—before adopting a new registration program. Staff noted the draft is for council review and would return on a meeting agenda for potential adoption if the council directs.

Why it matters: proponents contend a registry will speed code enforcement and nuisance response by providing current contact information; opponents warned of overreach and suggested targeted enforcement of known problem properties instead of a universal registry.