Romeoville to require inspections of rental properties
By Brock A. STein For The Herald-News May 14, 2012 3:02PM
Updated: June 16, 2012 8:12AM
ROMEOVILLE — Owners of rental property in Romeoville will be required to get an inspection when tenants move out or will face new penalties.
The new ordinance will require the inspection of a rental property each time a tenant moves out even in cases where more than one tenant lives at the same address.
Failure to comply with the new rules could result in a fine of $100 to $750. Owners who fail to appear to show a property for inspection could also face a $50 rescheduling fee.
Trustee Linda Palmiter questioned whether the village had checks in place to know when tenants moved in our out of a property.
Village manager Steve Gulden said that the new ordinance will mostly rely on owners being “self-compliant” but noted that the changes to the village’s rental inspection ordinance gives village staff more tools for dealing with rental property owners who are not compliant.
“It does give us a pretty substantial hammer,” said Gulden.
Gulden also said the village could also be alerted to changes in tenants by neighbors, as well as changes on the water bill statements or through code enforcement.
He noted that the changes would not apply to properties that are owner occupied.
With a down housing market, Mayor John Noak, said that the village has seen more renters, and that the new ordinance would help ensure properties are maintained properly, protecting tenants and home values.
“I think we’re doing the right thing,” said Trustee Jose Chavez, “and trying to keep the neighborhoods in good shape.”
In other business, trustees approved a program that will allow residents to plant a tree commemorating a loved one.
For $350, residents will be able to purchase a 6-foot tree that will be planted in one of the village’s parks along with an inscribed brick paver. Residents will have a choice of 12 trees.
A commemorative park bench will also be available through the new program for $950.
More information about the program can be found on the village’s website, www.Romeoville.org.
