What you need to know about East Lansing rental property
Staff
The East Lansing Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Conservation staff is available to help you. [staff contact list]
Inspections
Owners are responsible for calling the office to schedule inspections, it is advisable to call 3 months prior to the license expiration date.
The inspectors use the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) when inspecting. A few local amendments have been made to this code, mostly in the electrical section. A copy of the IPMC is available for purchase for $25 (our cost), and copies can be viewed at the CENC office or the East Lansing Public Library. Any local amendments to the IPMC can be obtained from the CENC office or the City web site.
The CENC office does have an inspection guideline that is available that explains what the inspectors are looking for when inspecting and is based on what is in the IPMC. The inspection guideline does not expand the code, it is simply to assist in explaining expectations in meeting the code. It may be beneficial to review this guideline document in order to prepare for the inspection. Another tip is to go through your property a day or so prior to the inspection to be sure all the smoke detectors are operational and you have no surprises since you your last at the property.
Code Compliance
Approximately 60% of all rental property is found to be in compliance at the annual inspection. The remainder will require at least one reinspection. For properties that have code violations a letter will be sent to the owner/manager that lists what the violations are and a date and time for the reinspection. Owners are encouraged to have the violations corrected in time for the reinspection so that another inspection is not necessary. It is understandable that on occasion weather or contractors will make it impossible to be compliant prior to the reinspection. For these situations owners/managers can write to the CENC director requesting an extension of time.
When requesting an extension, please write why the extension is needed, what items the extension is needed for and how much time is needed. The director will reply with a new inspection date or the reason the extension cannot be granted. Remember every time inspection takes place a fee is charged. Don’t wait for the inspector to come to the property and then ask for the extension, it will cost you an inspection fee. Only one extension of time can be granted administratively.
If another extension is needed the request will have to be made to the Housing Commission.
Renewing the rental license
Renewal reminders are sent out to owners/managers with a renewal form enclosed. They are typically sent at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the rental license. This is to allow adequate time to send back the renewal application, schedule the annual inspection and make any necessary corrections if needed.
PLEASE send back your renewal application as soon as you can. Late applications cost more time and money for everyone. A $25 late fee is assessed for late renewal applications.
After the owner/manager sends in the renewal application and renewal fee, the owner/manager should call to schedule the inspection. If an owner/manager does not renew the rental license and continues to rent it is a violation of the City Code. The owner/manager can be ticketed for every day the violations occurs, the tickets can cost up to $500 each. We very seldom are in position to issue tickets in this fashion. Most property owners are prompt in renewing the rental license.
Who is the Housing Commission?
The Housing Commission is a group of up to nine city residents that are appointed by the City Council. The Council tries to have a diverse group of residents on the commission that represent neighborhoods, landlords/property managers, and tenants. They develop and make recommendations to City Council regarding the city’s housing issues, they review and make recommendation regarding the housing code and they have review authority over several issues in the rental licensing section of the housing code.
The Housing Commission meets twice a month, the 1st Thursday of the month is a worksession and the 3rd Thursday of the month is the regular meeting. The meeting on the 3rd Thursday is typically when extensions of time are reviewed, hearings are held for initial license applications, and the occasion license sanction hearing.
How are the fees determined
The Code Enforcement Department is a full cost recovery department. The operations of the department are funded by the fees. This is the case for both the housing division and the building division of the department. All overhead and personnel costs are taken into consideration when determining the fees to be charged for each operation and type of fee. [Rental License Fee Schedule]
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to get the answers to frequently asked questions