Another step forward in “Landlord Registry” effort

STATEHOUSE – I am thrilled to be writing you today to let you know that the Indianapolis City-County Council passed the “Landlord Registry” at Monday’s meeting. The Council voted 16-11 in favor of Proposition 195 creating a landlord registry for rental property in Indianapolis.

As a firefighter, I know firsthand the problems that negligent landlords can bring to a neighborhood. Landlords who allow their properties to deteriorate and fall into disrepair make the entire community vulnerable to crime, squatters, and yes to fires. I have been on more vacant home fires in the past few years than I care to remember.

In 2013, the State Legislature caved to pressure from powerful slumlord lobbyists and prevented cities from enacting any accountability measures for rental property, including new fire and safety standards.

I voted against this measure and spent the summer and the 2014 session working at the Statehouse to reverse the so-called “moratorium.” Together with organized neighborhood leaders, residents, and city officials we ended the moratorium paving the way for the “Landlord Registry.”

The newly passed Landlord Registry will include:

Out-of-State and overseas landlords must have an in-state agent responsible for their property. There now must be someone for law enforcement and city officials to hold responsible for the maintenance of the properties.

Landlords must provide the city with their contact information and pay a small registration fee of $5 per property.

Property registered as rental property cannot have outstanding code violations or unpaid taxes.

Proposal 195 now goes to Mayor Ballard for his signature.