HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAP 2012-02-27 Item 2D - 2011 Rental Housing Annual ReportCity of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Haggerton
Community Affairs and Parks
FROM: Jack Pace, Community Development Director
DATE: February 27, 2012
SUBJECT: 2011 Rental Housing Annual Report
ISSUE
Ordinance 2281, adopted in 2010 and codified as TMC 5.06 requires an annual review of the
program and the submittal of an annual report.
BACKGROUND
The Residential Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Program was adopted in 2010 as a
way of ensuring that rental housing in the City of Tukwila met basic habitability standards.
DISCUSSION
2011 marked the beginning of the Residential Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection
program. Provisional licenses were issued to 602 properties and inspections were conducted
on 551 units.
As expected, implementing a new program resulted in a heavy administrative burden which
accounted for much of the time spent in 2011. Processing the applications, ensuring the
information was accurate, setting up files and assisting applicants with sometimes confusing
forms and fees comprised most of the first half of 2011.
Renewal notices were mailed to all 2011 applicants in December with a renewal deadline of
January 31, 2012. To date we have processed 405 renewal applications. There are 213
properties which have failed to renew by the deadline. Those owners have been issued a
second notice with a 15 -day compliance deadline.
Inspections
Code Enforcement and Building staff conducted 235 inspections, the bulk of them between
November 1 and December 30 due to the looming December 31, 2011 deadline for Zone 1
inspections. Many of the larger complexes opted to hire private inspectors. We have approved
8 private inspectors and have published this list on the City's website to assist property owners
seeking private inspectors.
The majority of units passed their initial inspections. Of those which did not pass, the most
common reason was lack of smoke detectors in all required locations. We also found about a
dozen units with more significant issues, including lack of adequate emergency egress from
bedrooms, lack of heat, dangerous/ illegal mechanical installations, and other issues. These
issues have been adequately resolved.
IM
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
There is one apartment complex which legally evicted all their tenants in order to renovate and
bring all the units up to standard to pass the required inspection. In reviewing the inspection
reports submitted from other larger complexes, it appears that the landlords are using this
opportunity to access each unit and assess its overall condition, making improvements along
the way even if the items would not constitute a "failure" of the inspection. This speaks to a
commitment by some landlords to improving overall living conditions throughout their complexes
as a result of required inspections.
When we are finished processing renewals, we will begin identifying units still requiring
inspection in Zone 1 (2011 deadline), as well as begin inspections of Zone 2 properties.
Challenges
We continue to identify and contact owners of unlicensed rental units through ads on Craigslist,
inquiries from Human Services, police and fire reports, and "For Rent" signs posted on
properties. We have published short articles in the Tukwila Reporter, reminding rental property
owners of the program requirements. Application forms, inspection checklists, approved
inspectors, and general information is published on our website as well.
What's Ahead
Incorporate additional process improvements for tracking and managing the program
Continued outreach to citizens regarding the program requirements and benefits.
Improved city website information
Upgrade software tracking system and incorporate the use of handheld devices in 2013
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only
WA2012 Info Memos- CouncillRental housing annual report memo.doc
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