HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7095 ' INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7095
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council March 4, 1986
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Subject: RENTAL REGISTRATION PROGRAM
Background
Several neighborhood organizations have requested that the City address the
related problems of overcrowding and deterioration of rental units in Fort
Worth. These problems tend to become concentrated in small areas creating
adverse visual and other spillover effects which detract from the larger sur-
rounding neighborhood.
In response to these concerns, staff is investigating the possibility of a
rental registration program for Fort Worth. Also, the Fort Worth Housing
Task Force, in recognition of the urgent need to address rental housing prob-
lems, has advocated a number of measures, among them: 1) a housing informa-
tion system including a counseling program for both landlords and tenants; 2)
more stringent code enforcement; and 3) a rental registration program.
Status of Staff Effort
A staff team has been formed with representation from several City depart-
ments. This team is currently performing the ba-Ckground research to design a
rental housing program which will respond effectively to the needs raised
above. Staff also is gathering information on programs being run by other
jurisdictions across the country. A summary of preliminary findings is
0*1 attached.
Potential Program Elements
Since the management approach differs significantly for small , detached ren-
tal units versus large apartment complexes, it may prove advisable to have
two distinct programs or possibly distinct' elements within the larger pro-
gram, tailored to these two types of rental resources.
During staff discussions, several possible elements of such a program have
been raised, including the following:
1. Registration and/or licensing of all rental property in the City.
2. Sliding fee structure, with less per unit cost the more units within a
structure or complex.
3. Inspection permitted, but not required, of all units for compliance with
the Minimum Housing Standards Code and other City ordinances.
4. Targeting of efforts in areas where deteriorated and overcrowded rental
units pose a problem.
5. Provision of penalties for non-registration of rental property and for
non-compliance with applicable City Codes within established time period
for correcting cited violations.
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-ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7095 - p.2
T 0 the Mayor and Members of the City Council March 4, 1986
Subject: RENTAL REGISTRATION PROGRAM
It 73
6. Requirement that a locally accessible person be legally responsible for
rental property.
. 7. Provision of counseling to both landlords and tenants.
Recommendation
In order to obtain maximum breadth of input into the program design, it is
recommended that a committee be formed of representatives of rental property
owners, neighborhood leaders and tenants to serve as resource persons and
otherwise to advise staff during the finalization of this proposed rental
registration program.
If additional information is desired, it will be furnished upon request.
Q r• bDougl s Harman A4%City anager
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS