Work Session _Partnership with Rental Property Owners and Renters Copyrighted
J une 3, 2019
City of Dubuque Work Session - Top # 1.
ITEM TITLE: 5:30 PM - Partnershipwith Rental Property Owners
SUM MARY: City Staff will conduct a work session with the City Council
on the partnerships between the City of Dubuque and
Dubuque's Rental Property Owners.
Brief comments by Dubuque Area Landlords Association
President Jerry Maro.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Partnershipwith Rental Property Owners-MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Housing Inspection Checklist Supporting Documentation
Presentation Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF Dubuque
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UB E '�� III►
Masterpiece on the Mississippi Z°°'�w'2
7A13 2017
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Material for Work Session on Partnership with Rental Property Owners
DATE: May 29, 2019
Housing and Community Development Director Alexis Steger has provided the
PowerPoint for the June 3, 2019 Work Session on the Partnership with Rental Property
Owners.
�� �� ���
Mic ael C. Van Milligen �� �
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Jerry Maro, Landlord's Association President
Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Alexis Steger, Housing & Community Development Director
• ' •
Use this checklist as a guide to pre-inspect rental units in advance of
upcoming rental housing inspections to increase the likelihood of
passing the inspection and saving time&inspection fees. � �
FIRST LOOIS - INTERIOR CHECIS FOR ALL ROOMS '���
❑ Interior surfaces including walls &ceilings are maintained in safe �
&sanitary condition, free from loose or damaged materials.
❑ Painted surfaces are maintained free from peeling, chipping, I
flaking or otheruvise deteriorated conditions. "fip1"`-
❑ Floors & floor coverings are maintained in safe and sanitary �' ''�
condition, free from loose or damaged materials.
❑ Electrical equipment including outlets, fixtures, lighting, &
appliances, etc. are properly wired and functioning as intended.
❑ Doors are in good repair and function as intended.
Tools for inspection:tlashlight,
❑ Windows are in good repair, screens are present and intact, and vo]tage detector,screwdriver, out]et
windows function as intended. NOTE: Windows shall be easily tester, tape measure
operable and capable of being held in position by window
hardware.
ISITCHEN
❑ Safe and sanitary conditions are required throughout a dwelling however in kitchens it is critical
that all surfaces (including appliances) are intact and easily cleanable.
• Garbage/rubbish must be regularly disposed of by occupants.
❑ Plumbing fixtures, pipes &drains are in good repair, functioning as intended, free from leaks,
clogs, or other defects.
❑ Cabinets and/or space for the preparation of food is adequate and in good repair.
• Dwelling unit kitchens must have a minimum clear passageway of 36 inches.
• Efficiency units must have a minimum clear passageway of 30 inches.
❑ Appliances are present and in good repair including:
• Refrigerator of adequate size, functions as intended, free from leaks, door seal in good repair,
handles, and supplied accessories intact and in good repair.
• Stove/ranae/oven of adequate size, functions as intended, controls, handles, and supplied
accessories intact and in good repair.
• Dishwasher, if supplied functions as intended, free from leaks or defects.
• Garbage disposal, if supplied, functions as intended, free from leaks or defects.
❑ Electrical equipment including appliances are properly installed and functioning as intended.
I BATHROOMS
❑ Safe and sanitary conditions are required throughout a dwelling, however in bathrooms, it is
critical that all surfaces are intact and easily cleanable.
• Areas in and around toilets, tubs& showers may require frequent cleaning by occupants
❑ Plumbing fixtures, pipes &drains are in good repair, functioning as intended, free from leaks, clogs
or other defects.
• Toilets must be securely installed, free from leaks and function as intended.
• Gaps in moisture prone areas including tub/shower surrounds must have sealant (caulking)
applied and maintained to prevent moisture damage.
❑ Ventilation is provided by either an operable mechanica]veN tan e�austing to ihe esterior or an
operable window with screen.
❑ Electrical equipment is properly installed and tunctioning. NOTE: New or replacemeN elecirical
equipment including outlets near water sources must be GFCI protected.
• A primary batluoom must have at]east one elecirica] outlet
BEDROOMS
❑ Habitable space requirements (NOTE: It any ot ihe requiremenis]isted below are not met and a
variance has not been approved, ihen ihe room may not be used as a sleeping room)
• Room has at]east seventy (TO) square teet.
• Room measures at]east seven (T) teet in al] directions (]engih, widih, and height).
• Room has secondary esit in case ot emergency (emergency escape&rescue opening or egress
compliant window)
❑ Smoke alarms are requrced in every room used tor sleeping.
STAIItWAYS
❑ Handrails (graspable) are required on al] stairways more ihan tour (4)risers.
❑ Guardrails (guards) are required on stairs, ]andings, balconies, ramps or other walking surtace ihat
is more ihan ihirty (30) inches above ihe�oor or grade below.
• Existing guards must be a minimum height ot 30"with no spacing ihat esceeds 6".
• New or replacement guards and/or handrails must meet ihe current building code standards.
❑ Stair components including ireads,risers, siringers, posis, etc. must be maintained in a good and
siructurally sound condition.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
❑ Mechaniwl equipment including turnaces, boilers, water heaters, etc. must be properly installed
and tunctioning as intended.
• Common meck�anica] equipment violations include:
o Water heaters& boilers]ack pressure relietvalve estension pipe. NOTE: Pipe must
terminate within six (6) inck�es ot ihe�oor or into a drain.
o Service cover panels must be properly installed on appliances or equipment.
o Combustion appliance venting must be snwcn
maintained to adequately and sately e�aust j snwox
combustion gasses out otihe siructure. —,� +� � �
o Furnace tilters ue clean and intact itpresent
❑ Electrical service and equipment is adequately sized, w ��`i�"� t
maintained in good repair, and capable ot tunctioning as °�a"'P-� - t aamp
intended. �umperwrce e�s
• Elecirica] service nanels fbreakersl are covered, have � �� .p ,�e
no open breaker spaces or missing breakers.
• Elecirica] service nanels ftusesl are covered, have s- _
type tusing -
• Water meter has elecirical bonding jumper (see photo).
LAUNDRY AREA
❑ Electrical receptacle must be properly grounded or GFCI protected.
❑ Clothes dryers must be e�austed to ihe exterior in accordance with marmtacturer's specitications
• Flexible metallic venting is allowed in]engihs not to exceed eight (B) teet.
• Plastic venting materia] is not approved tor use with clothes dryers.
❑ Laundry hookups including gas and drain pipes sk�al] be capped oQ it not in use.
BASEMINT
❑ Foundation is shucturally sound, free from cracks and/or gaps.
❑ Interior basement areas are reasonably clean, dry and &ee otpest intestations.
• Persona] belongings are stored in an orderly and sanitary manner. Space is free ot obsolete
appliances, junk, and rubbisk�.
❑ Electrical equipment is properly installed and maintained and tunctions as intended.
• Elecirica]junctions and junction boxes have appropriate covu plates installed
EXTERIOR
❑ Ekterior surfaces are maintained in good repair, weather ,� ... �� . . -
tight, free from]oose, damaged or missing materials. _� �� �� � . -
• Brick and/or stone mortar joinis are intact � �
❑ Painted surfaces are maintained free from peeling, chipping, . -
�aking or othenvise deteriorated conditions.
❑ Walking surfaces including sidewalks, driveways etc. are
free from cracks, spalling or other detecis where gaps or
elevation changes exceed '/. ot an inck�. ,
❑ Electrical service wires and al] elecirica] equipment on ihe
esterior is maintained in good repair.
❑ Chimneys, vents and klues are maintained in a good condition and have weather caps or vent
hoods with dampers where required.
❑ Roofs, including gutters/downspouts are maintained in good repair, &ee from obsiructions, ]eaks or
detecis including]oose or missing materials.
❑ Grading and drainage is maintained to prevent soi] erosion and/or accumulation ot stagnant water.
❑ Accessory structures including garages, sheds, etc. are maintained in good repair.
❑ Exterior propedy areas are maintained in a clean, sate and sanitary condition.
• Garbage and rubbisk�must be properly stored in approved covered containers unti]disposal.
• Exterior areas must be free from accumulations ot garbage/rubbisk�.
• Grasses and/or weeds must be maintained (mowed) below B" height.
GENERAT,
❑ Carbon Monoxide alarms are required in al] dwellings ihat contain tuel burning equipment or an
attached garage. puce oHe SmOKe
• Fuel burning equipment or appliances include tire places, turnaces, nv.xm oH wertr r�oon
boilers,water heaters, etc. nwo s�eeviwc aoorn
❑ Smoke alarms must be installed in accordance with manutacturers M��ri-sroxr
insiruction in ihe required]ocations including: on��
• In ihe immediate vicinity, outside ot eack� bedroom (Note: within 15') o�
• Inside each bedroom or room used tor sleeping purposes. ax i en
• On each story ot a dwelling unit, including basemenis.
❑ Fire extinguishers, itpresent, must be tully ck�arged (Note: ]ook tor LR ala�m K
gauge to be in ihe green).
BLSEMEHT
❑ Safe and sanitary conditions must be maintained in al] interior and
esterior areas ota siructure or premises. siwc�e�eve�
• Property owners must ensure ihat al] areas are in clean and sanitary
condition prior to occupancy. • �a ax ex
• Occupanis must maintain ihe areas ihat ihey occupy and coniro] in a •m�ka�
clean and sanitary condition. pp ,•m�
❑ Rubbish& garbage must be regularly disposed. Accumulations ot a°
rubbisk�or garbage on a proputy are prohibited.
❑ Pest elimination is required to be performed promptly when pest infestations are discovered.
• Structures shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation.
❑ Required utilities must be on and serviceable for inspection. Examples of utilities that may be
required are:
• Water • Electric • Gas-required if gas appliances are present
MULTI-FAMILY COMMONS OR REQUIREMENTS
❑ Common areas of the property are maintained in clean, safe and sanitary condition.
❑ Fire protection systems if present are intact, functioning as intended - ---
and display third party inspection tags if required. Fire protection --
systems include: r -
_a.- -_
• Monitored or non-monitored fire alarm systems � �
• Sprinkler systems or localized sprinkler equipment
• Co�runon area fire extinguishers _ _.`�
❑ Fire extinguishers are installed as required in buildings with 3 or �� ,
more units � ;; �; �_
• 2A-lOBC 51b or larger fire extinguishers may be installed in interior -
common hallways within'I5' of travel for any unit and on the same � _
level as each unit entry door. '�_
• lA-lOBC fire extinguishers may be installed in each unit in lieu of
the larger shared common area fire extinguishers.
❑ Fire separation and/or fire rated assemblies are maintained in good - �
repair and function as intended in accordance with the code in effect
at the time of construction or renovation. Examples of fire separation or assemblies include:
• Fire rated doors and door assemblies
• Fire caulking or sealant at penetrations in fire walls
• Fire rated wall or ceiling materials including sheetrock and/or plaster
If you have questioris regardirig your irispectiori, please coritact the
Irispector listed ori your Notice of Irispectiori.
Dubuque
THE CTTY OF �
Du B E i j Gi� _
I
Maste iece on tlie Mississi 1 �13.�1� EQUAL HOUSING
� pp OPPORTUNITY
City of Dubuque
Housing&Community Development Department
350 W. 6th Street, Suite 312
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-589-4231
www.cityofdubuque.org/housing
The Partnership between the
City of Dubuque and Dubuque's
Rer�tal propertyOwners
• • • - •
.
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rental property management
.
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F 12 6 360
F 13 6,19]
F 14 5 969
F15 59]6
w� s sws renta . . nert
F 1 ] 6238
F 18 6,0]0
To[al 43,355 1 ,920 A��entlees
654 S�ruc�ures ItleMiFietl
Compliance
HOUSING CASES - APRIL 2008 TO JUNE 2018
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NUISANCE ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT
• Augus� 2014 — March2019
• Over 69,160 Police Calls for Service and/or Web QA complain�s reviewetl
• If 3 or more occur a� an atltlress wi�hin any 30 tlay wintlow, fuMher review is
ontluc�etl
• If 3 or more verifed/confrmetl calls, �hen errforcemen� is s�aMetl
• Enforcement renges from fomtal tliscussion with propeMy owner antl/or
esitlent, up to Municipal Infrection
• Legitimate calls for city services, especially as a crime victim , tlo NOT count
againsithe resitlent
2,409 Nuisance Investigations
• 3 or More Calls for
Service
� • 3 or More CONFIRMED
Calls for Service
Compliance
Rental Licensing & Inspections
11 , 000 residential units licensed 8 inspected on a routine schedule.
Unique Inspection Processes & Policies
• Assisted Housing — Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Routine Rental Licensing Inspections (new rentals and cycled)
• Complaint Inspections
• Priority Category
• 95% Fail first inspection
• 62% Fail re-inspection
� ICC �
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Rental Licensing & Inspections
Recent Improvements
• aoi5 - Implemented new licensing & inspections fee schedule
• zoi6 - Adopted the International Property Maintenance Code
• zoi7 - Launched new licensing/permitting and inspections software
• zoi8 - Piloted and adopted new vegetation enforcement policy
k: '�'�
DubuqueArea Landlord
Association
• Adoption of IPMC input
• December aoi5 - DALA F�cecutive Committee Representative appointed to
work directly with staff on process/review
• Januaryzoi6 - Presenttogenerelmembershipmeeting
• Februaryaoi6 — UpdatetoDALA6cecutiveCommittee
• Marchaoi6 — FinalupdatetoDALAExecutiveCommittee
• April/May aoi6 — Public Sessions including one specific to landlords
• Standing Agenda Item for DALA
Boards & Commissions/Community
Input on IPMCAdoption
• Housing Commission
• Community DevelopmentAdvisory Commission
• Housing Code Board ofAppeals
• NeighborhoodAssociations
• Specific Presentations as requested by DowMown Neighborhood
Association & Historic Bluffs Neighborhood
Rental Licensing & Inspections
• zoi8 - Initiated tiered inspection policy
• aoi8 - Created policy for Priority Category property owner/agent
• aoi8 & zoi9 - Added to inspection staff increasing capacityfor
enforcement
• July i�', zoig - revised inspection fee schedule to incentivize
passing at initial inspection
TIERED INSPECTIONS POLICY
• TIER 3 - buildings in need of additional attention
• i6Buildingscontainin938unitsdesignatedtier3todate
• TIER z - standard rental properties
• All buildings�units start in tier a
• TIER i - large professionally managed complex meeting set
of criteria
• EligiblepropertiesareidentifiedatthetimetheyareFlaggedforinspection
Dubuque Area Landlord
Association
Tiered Inspections Policy Review
• Utilized monthly meetings to gather input from DALA Executive
Committee
• ConcernsaboutTier3
• Logistics of Tier i
Priority Category
Inputs/Data Successfvl outcomes
• Three property owners/agents • Changed behaviors
have been designated • Properties sold & rehabilitated
• Responsible for 343 rental units • New management
• Subjectto increased frequency appointment
forinspections
Cooperation
• Monthly meeting with DubuqueArea Landlords' Association
(DALA)
• Present at DALA meetings as new codes are developed or upon
request
• 501 Committee
• New Housing staff Introduced to DALA
• Housing Board ofAppeals membership
• Housing Commission membership (occasional)
• DALA booth at City's landlord training
Cooperation
• Monthly meetings with Dubuque Renters' Union
• Monthl i meetin s with Friends of Fair Housin
V „� - '� � DUBU�UE
RENTERS'
TRUEN�TH UNION
artners in Housing :
• CommunityHousinglnitiatives
• True North
. .
• .
Fee Schedule FY 2019 FY 2020
Initiallnspection $ 50 .00 $ -
1st Re-Inspection $ - $ 85. 00
2nd and Subsequent
Re-Inspection $ 70 .00 $ 85. 00
Structure License $ 30 .00 $ 30. 00
Dwelling Unit License $ 20 .00 $ 25. 00
Rooming unit License $ 10 .00 $ 15. 00
. .
• .
. � � . .
FIFSP LOOR cItT'EP.I�R CHEC{ FOR ALL ROO}.1�
en1 � �
I4TCHEN
Recent Changes & Initiatives
• Encourage LL's or primary caretakers to be present at inspections
for on-site training
• Re-Branding Housing Choice Voucher Program (Housing
Commission)
• Acceptance by Landlords
• Tenant Education
• . •
o�� �9 �
zoi6 49 30
o�] 4] ��
zoi8 34 z6
zoi9 (todate) 8 6
Petition Properties ( Rental )
' 445 Loras - duplex
• 6z7 Rhomberg — single family
• io25 Bluff — multifamily
• iioo Roosevelt — duplex
• 7iz Hill — two-familyconversion
• Why is it important to work closely with Rental Property Owners?
• Provide 11 , 000 housing units in the city
• Safe & Healthy Living Units and Neighborhoods are created
by these owners
• We want them to be successful business owners
• Provide $7, 000,000+ into the local economy
Dubuque Area Landlord Association
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Landlords
Association