Batavia to try crime-free rental housing rules
Owners of large rental housing complexes in Batavia will have to get city licenses and attend seminars about keeping their properties crime-free, the city council decided Monday.
The council adopted a law aimed at reducing the amount of criminal activity in such complexes because it believes a disproportionate share of the city's crime happens at such places.
The law applies to complexes of 10 or more rental dwellings, but excludes age-restricted properties, nursing and assisted-living facilities and group homes.
Owners, or their property managers, will be expected to attend a seminar put on by the Batavia Police Department explaining what they can do to cut down on crimes. Practices such as putting notices in leases explaining a tenant can be kicked out for allowing or conducting criminal activity on the property, issuing “no trespassing” notices to problematic residents and visitors, and calling police when there is illegal activity or trespassing are some of the measures landlords are expected to use.
Tenants could also be deemed problematic if they are issued four or more city ordinance violations, such as noise complaints, in a six-month period, or if there are an “unreasonably high number of calls for service” compared to other similar properties, the ordinance states. These activities indicate the property “is out of character and is impacting the quality of life of people residing in the area,” according to the ordinance.
If an owner doesn't take adequate action, the city could fine them $100 per day, or take away their license to rent.
The licenses are free. The law takes effect Dec. 1.