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Rental Registration
Committee of the Whole Briefing
August 5, 2019
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Background
Ordinance creating a Rental Registration Program in the City of Renton effective March 2019
Not implementing until 2020
Requires property owners who rent their property to others to obtain a business license
Exempt from business license fee
Certify on a checklist that dwelling would pass inspection
Only inspections if violations
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Since March
Completing an update to the database of rentals
Using King County Assessor information and Utility Billing registrations
Estimated 17,722 units
Estimated 3,839 landlords
Worked with FileLocal to enable registration with online business licensing
Landlords will be able to register up to 25 different parcel numbers and addresses online and certify they are meeting the requirements in the municipal code
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Since March
Revised checklist
Eliminated redundancies and items such as provision of laundry facilities
Added citations from Renton Municipal Code and International Property Maintenance Code
Now only require what is required of all properties in the city
For example, operable door locks and adequate garbage facilities
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Since March
Coordinated with Code Compliance regarding tenant rights materials
Pilot inspection project in Sunset
Partnered with Rebuilding Together Seattle to offer free inspections and recommendations for free or low cost repairs
Mailed to 167 residents in Sunset
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Since March
Developed home improvement resource guide
Resources available to all:
Puget Sound Energy – rebates for improvements that improve energy efficiency, such as some water heaters, windows, smart thermostats, etc.
Puget Sound Energy – free assessment to identify ways to improve energy efficiency; will install up to 20 LED lightbulbs for free
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Since March
Developed home improvement resource guide
Resources available to certain income levels:
Rebuilding Together Seattle – Free home repairs or improvements such as, ramps, grab bars, painting, etc.
City of Renton – Free minor health and safety home repairs such as, repairing/replacing water heaters, repairing minor roof leaks, installing smoke alarms, etc.
King County – Free weatherization improvements of homes such as, insulation, air sealing, furnace repairs, etc.
King County - 0% interest loans to finance major repairs such as, new roof or new septic system
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Since March
Developing outreach materials
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Currently
Finance to hire Tax Auditor
Will support the rental registration program and ensure all requirements are met for internal and external customers
Assist in developing and maintaining the FileLocal integration for rental registration
Perform audits to ensure compliance with City of Renton Municipal Code Chapter 5
Assist in day to day operations in Tax and Licensing
Interviews will be held August 6, anticipate filling by early September
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Currently
Revising Assistant Planner position to Housing Programs Manager
Develop, implement, and administer the safe, and healthy, and affordable housing programs for the City
High-level of expertise and knowledge to provide support, education, and outreach on housing-related issues
Collaborate with internal and external stake holders, and participate on multi-jurisdictional committees
Plan to post position in August
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Next Step
Once Housing Programs Manager position is filled anticipate minimum 6 month, up to 12 month, outreach to ensure landlords and tenants have been adequately notified
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