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Monday, November 24, 2008

Apple Valley's rental registration program helps police keep tabs on properties

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posted by Bob at Monday, November 24, 2008

3 Comments:

Blogger Bob said...

607 registrations collected in 1st year
By Jessica Fleming
jfleming@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 11/21/2008 11:53:58 PM CST


A year ago this week, Apple Valley started requiring owners of rental properties to register with the city. Officials hoped the program would help them get in touch with landlords if there were problems with the property or tenants.

When the program started, police estimated that 700 properties should be registered. As of last week, 607 had done so.

"It's helped us to share information," said Apple Valley police Sgt. John Bermel, who administers the program. "If we see problems developing, we can call the owners and say, 'This is what your tenant is allowing to happen.' "

Bermel said some property owners had job transfers and were unable to sell their homes in a stagnant real estate market, and others rent their homes seasonally. Before the program, police had no way to contact them.

Unlike most cities' rental licensing, Apple Valley's program does not require property inspections. It's simply a way for the city to know who is ultimately responsible for a property.

Police have written four citations for failure to register a rental property.

The offense is a misdemeanor for which the maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail.

Bermel said he thought police would be citing more property owners soon, but he was pleased with the level of compliance so far.

Officers find out about unlicensed rentals from irritated neighbors, police contact with tenants or through changes in utility billing.

"We've given people every opportunity to register their properties," police Capt. Michael Marben said. "It becomes a case where the neighbors will get mad at what a renter is doing. A lot of those absentee owners are very responsive once they know what is going on."

Jessica Fleming can be reached at 651-228-5435.

7:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They must have learned from St. Paul

4:10 PM  
Blogger Bob said...

To me this is just another sign of the POLICE STATE to come. UP NEXT, the government will hire full time staff in every county across the state to do back ground checks on property owners also.

IF you are a successful criminal you can buy a house in Saint Paul and some of these other cities, easier than you can rent.

I think the police outta leave housing out of their crime strategy policies. It is so NAZI like to adopt these types of policies.

6:19 AM  

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