NEW RENTAL CODE AFFECTS EVERYONE

Even if you don’t rent your home - seasonally, yearly or occasionally, all Southold Town residents will be affected by the new rental code.  The cost of government has been increased, the cost to the homeowners who rent their home has been increased by a $100/year fee, and other costs. The cost of renting will be increased as these costs most likely, will be passed on to tenants. It’s also likely that less homes will be rented and rental rates in the town will increase as the economics of supply and demand kick in.  Also, a more troublesome concern is the so-called “blighted” homes will likely not file for a rental permit and possibly turn out their tenants, who may not be able to find suitable housing that they can afford.  Problem solved or problem exacerbated?  Only time will tell.

The code has been passed and was adopted December 18, 2018.  Any homeowner who rents or intends to rent this year, should get a copy of the code and the rental permit application from town hall.

Here are the key aspects of the code:

1.      $200 fee for two year permit.

2.      Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (already part of NYS code).

3.      Valid certificate of occupancy or pre-certificate of occupancy.

4.      Inspection by Code Enforcement Official with consent of owner, or owner may use a licensed architect, engineer, or home inspector.

5.      Payment of rent is presumed but can be rebutted for relatives.

6.      Tenant cannot occupy and realtors cannot market any rental premises without the owner securing a rental permit.

7.      Renewals will require a new inspection.

8.      Violation of the code carries a fine of $500 to $5,000 or imprisonment or both for first offense and $1,000 to $10,000 for the second offense within 5 years. Each week that the violation continues,  will be considered a separate additional violation.

9.      Owners have until August 1, 2019 to file their completed application with all requirements.

We encourage all home owners who rent or expect to rent their homes, seasonally or annually or monthly, to go to the building department at the town hall annex  at 54375 Main Road, Southold and secure the rental application, and the rental code, Chapter 207 and submit the same by August 1, 2019.