This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

St. Charles Looks to "Raise the Bar" for Rental Properties

Preliminary analysis indicates that there could be as many as 4,300 residential rental units in St. Charles.

The City of St. Charles is currently studying a licensing program and additional regulations for rental properties in the community. Preliminary analysis indicates that there could be as many as 4,300 residential rental units in St. Charles, although it is difficult to know the exact number because landlords are not required to register or obtain a license from the City. We also believe that the recession's impact on the housing market has resulted in an increase in the number of rental properties. The inability to sell a home has caused many owners to turn to renting. In addition, the rental market has grown as a number of Americans don't want to own a home because it is too risky, cannot obtain financing due to foreclosure or bankruptcy, or simply cannot afford to purchase one because they are unemployed.

For several years, St. Charles has maintained programs to address property maintenance, crime, and other nuisances that may take place throughout the community. The City attempts to work cooperatively with residents and property owners until such strategies prove ineffective. Then, we begin a legal process to mandate compliance through administrative adjudication (a process that is conducted locally with a hearing officer) or through the court system (typically at the Kane County courthouse with a judge). That process doesn't always move as quickly as some would like or result in the best outcomes. For that reason, prevention is a major focus and a rental licensing program can be effective.

St. Charles has strong relationships with many rental communities via the Apartment Complex Officer Program. Under this program, participating complexes sign an agreement with the City that outlines how the two parties will coordinate enforcement efforts of unwanted behavior within the complex. Communication is also greatly enhanced.

Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A rental licensing program has been periodically discussed in St. Charles since 2003. At the direction of the City Council, staff is now preparing materials for the consideration of the City Council.

The programs are offered in many other area communities including Schaumburg, Elgin, and Addison. They typically consist of 4 main components:

Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  1. a license to allow a property owner to engage in the business of renting residential property
  2. a mandatory training program for property owners that provides information regarding a variety of landlord-tenant matters, including eviction proceedings
  3. a "crime-free" addendum that is required for all leases and obligates owners to evict tenants engaged in certain criminal activities
  4. mandatory inspections of rental units to ensure compliance with building and property maintenance codes

 

In addition, a license fee is charged to cover the costs of the program and to ensure that such programs are not subsidized by other taxpayers. The license fee should be directly tied to, and fully recoup, the costs of the program.

There are a lot of good landlords who rent property in our community. They screen their tenants, keep up with routine maintenance and repairs, and are intolerant of illegal activities. There are many others who can do a much better job. This City's goal is to "raise the bar" for those that wish to engage in renting residential property and ensure that we keep our neighborhoods safe and attractive.

We have already heard from several landlords who are concerned about the City infringing on their ability to conduct business. We have also heard from property owners who support the rental housing regulations and training program that the city is proposing.

A rental licensing/crime free housing ordinance is a significant undertaking that requires careful study and deliberation. The City Council will begin the public review and debate of the rental licensing program at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Planning & Development Committee. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

If you have further questions about the city's efforts, you may contact Rita Tungare, Director of Community Development, or James Lamkin, Chief of Police.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?