Dubuque council updates rental license ordinance to two‑year cycle, adds self‑certification option

The Dubuque City Council voted unanimously Dec. 16 to amend the city’s rental license ordinance to implement a two‑year licensing and inspection cycle and to allow qualified landlords to self‑inspect and self‑certify compliance once every other cycle.

Housing and Community Development Director Lehi Steger told the council the ordinance change (amendment to the existing rental license ordinance referenced in staff materials) aligns the ordinance with the proposed two‑year inspection program. Key features include a requirement that nonresident property owners who live more than 50 miles from a rental property designate a responsible agent within 50 miles to respond to property issues, and a random spot‑check program in which 1% of self‑inspected units would receive follow‑up in‑person inspections. Staff will still perform in‑person inspections at least once every four years on all properties.

Councilmembers praised the change as a way to concentrate staff inspection resources where they are most needed and to reward landlords who maintain properties in good standing. Councilmember Farber described the self‑certification as a workforce and efficiency measure that allows staff to focus inspections on higher‑need properties. Councilmember Jones noted the change had been discussed during budget hearings and said staff had implemented steps to move to a two‑year cycle.

The council waived the three readings and approved final passage by roll call, 7-0. The ordinance change moves the city toward implementation; staff signaled further budget‑season detail and reporting would follow.