What does the program require?
The Rental Registration and Inspection Program requires that owners of occupied rental property annually register their units with the City of Kansas City, Mo. Failure to register units that are regulated by the program is a violation of the City's property maintenance code. In addition, units that are located in certain neighborhoods will be required to undergo inspections in order to be legally occupied.
What are the neighborhoods in which inspections will occur?
The Blue Hills, Hyde Park, Ivanhoe, Pendleton Heights, Scarritt Renaissance, Town Fork Creek and West Plaza neighborhoods have been designated by the City Council as target neighborhoods for rental housing inspections.
What constitutes a rental dwelling?
A rental dwelling is any dwelling that contains a dwelling or rooming unit that is being offered for rent or being occupied by any person other than the owner. However, property occupied by a direct family member of the owner will not be considered rental property. For example, if you own a single-family dwelling and rent it to a direct family member such as your child, this is not considered a rental property under the ordinance.
I own a duplex and live in one of the units. Is this a rental dwelling?
No. Duplexes in which the owner resides in one of the units are not considered rental dwellings for purposes of this ordinance.
When did this program begin?
The City Council passed ordinance No. 071046 creating the program on Oct. 18, 2007. Registration was required as of Jan. 1, 2008.
How can I get an application?
You can obtain an application by writing, faxing or sending an e-mail message to the Neighborhood Preservation Division. The application also is available online.
Address – 4900 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64130
Fax – (816) 513-9090
Telephone – (816) 513-9010
E-mail address – neighborhood_preservation@kcmo.org
Is there a deadline for registration?
The penalty increases by $50 each month (or portion thereof) that registration does not occur. Newly acquired occupied properties must be registered within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalty.
My property is currently vacant. Do I have to register it?
Only occupied properties must be registered. An owner has 30 days from the time a tenant moves in to complete registration in order to avoid a penalty.
Is there a registration fee?
No, there is no registration fee.
What is the expiration date of the registration?
All registrations will expire annually on Dec. 31. Applications for renewal will be accepted beginning Dec. 1 of every year.
Will I have to fill out the entire registration application every year even if there is no change in any of my information?
No. You will have to submit an application but it will only be necessary for you to check a renewal box indicating that none of the information has changed.
If I sell the property, does the registration transfer?
No. If you sell the property you must notify the Neighborhood Preservation Division of the name and address of the buyer within 30 days of closing. The new owner will then have to apply for registration.
Is an inspection of my property required?
No, only properties that are located in the designated target neighborhoods indicated above will be inspected under the program.
What will the inspection cover?
Code enforcement officers will check to ensure compliance with the City's nuisance and property maintenance codes (Chapters 48 and 56 of the City code). These are minimum standards set to preserve the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
Is there a fee for the inspection?
No, there is no inspection fee. However, if violations of the code(s) are found and you do not correct them within the time period permitted, you will be issued an administrative citation fine of $100 for each required re-inspection.
Will the interior of my rental units be inspected?
Only units vacant at the time of the inspection will receive interior inspections. The rest of the inspection will focus on the exterior and grounds of the building(s).
When an inspection is conducted, does the owner have to be present?
No, the owner or manager does not have to be present unless there is a vacant unit that requires an interior inspection. In such an instance, access to the vacant unit will have to be provided. However, we encourage owners or their representatives to be present at the inspection in order to understand what repairs might be required.
What happens if the property does not pass inspection?
If the property fails inspection, correction work will be required. In most cases, owners will be given 30 days to complete repairs on the building, which is the standard amount of time allowed for all violations to be corrected without incurring a fine.
Do owner-occupied properties in the target areas have to go through the same inspection process?
Yes, owner-occupied units will receive an exterior inspection in order to ensure that all properties in the neighborhood meet minimum exterior standards.
When my unit(s) has been inspected and approved, will I be notified?
Yes, when your unit has passed inspection and any outstanding debts to the City have been paid, you will receive a certificate of inspection.
When will the next inspection of my property occur?
The certificate of inspection will have an expiration date indicated on it. It will be either two, three or four years from the date of the initial inspection depending on the condition of the unit and how timely violations were corrected. Your next inspection must occur prior to that expiration date.
