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1. Why did the City of New Brighton expand the licensing requirement to single family and duplex rental units?

The City already licenses all multifamily buildings in New Brighton.  Expanding the licensing program will ensure that every rental unit in the City must be properly maintained and managed in order to be rented. By doing so, the City hopes to achieve legitimate, safe and healthy living spaces for landlords, tenants, and neighbors. 

2. I’ve never had to get a rental license before for my property…will the licensing process be difficult?

The City of New Brighton gave careful consideration to the establishment of this new program, and every effort was made to create a win-win solution for renters, property owners, and the City.   The single-family home/duplex licensing process is a simplified version of the larger program that’s historically overseen the City’s multi-family buildings.

3. Is there a cost for this license and will an inspection be required?

During an inspection year, the license cost for a single-family home (or one half of a duplex) will be $200, and a duplex that is fully rented will have a $220 license fee.  In non-inspection years, the cost will drop to $50.  Provided the unit(s) being licensed meet basic life, health, and safety standards, inspections will only be required once every three (3) years.

4. How will this new program effect rents in single-family and duplex rental units?

By only requiring inspections once every three years, the total license cost over a three year period can be kept to as low as $300.  That cost spread out over 36 months means the maximum rent increase a landlord could justify based on this program is a little over $8 per month for a single unit, and approximately $4.50 per month for duplex units.  The City’s Planning Commission, Equity Commission, and City Council all found this potential impact to rents was more than justified by the program’s benefits.

5. How will the City approach inspections?

Inspections will be focused on basic life, health, and safety issues.  Improvements will only be mandated when the health and safety of tenants is threatened by housing conditions or the lack of necessary equipment (i.e. smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).

6. Who will be involved during the inspection?

The City’s inspector and landlord will walk the property together.  While we will invite and encourage tenants to attend and participate in the inspection, their attendance will not be mandatory.

7. I’m not a landlord. How does this change help or impact me?

The main effect of this ordinance is the comfort knowing that rental properties are properly maintained, and that adequate recourse now exists for the City should problems arise.  Existing “disorderly premises” regulations that previously only applied to licensed multi-family buildings will now apply to all rentals.