Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook and City leaders are sending an additional reminder regarding the new ordinance affecting residential property owners.
DEADLINE/REQUIREMENTS:
No later than October 1, 2016, all rental properties must have a valid rental permit and a responsible local representative within a 45 mile radius. The representative can be utilized by out-of-town rental properties owners to assist in meeting the deadline.
Before a rental permit can be issued the owner or landlord must certify that the property complies with minimum safety standards.
If an owner or landlord is unsure if the property meets the minimum safety standards, inspections by Code Enforcement staff are available upon request.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On April 19, 2016, Columbia City Council gave final approval of Ordinance 2015-099 (Rental Housing Regulations) with an effective date of July 1, 2016.
This Ordinance repeals the ‘Absentee Landlord Regulation Program’ in its entirety and replaces it with the Rental Housing Regulations Ordinance (RHRO).
The RHRO requires all City of Columbia residential rental property owners to obtain a permit for each individual unit rented.
For the past several months, the Code Enforcement Division has mailed out more than 9,000 letters to rental owners notifying them of the new ordinance, meeting with individuals and answering questions by phone.
Rental property owners are encouraged to call the Customer Care Center at 803-545-3300 or Code Enforcement at 803-545-3430 with questions.
Each individual property requires a separate permit which is non-transferable. The Rental Permit is good for 12 months from the time of issuance.
GRACE PERIOD:
In an effort to allow time for property owners to adjust and plan for the new regulations accordingly, the City initially offered a 90-day grace period to obtain the rental permit prior to any enforcement actions. If the deadline is not met, fines and additional penalties could be imposed. The grace period for compliance ends October 1, 2016.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To review the new ordinance or to print out an application, visit the Columbia Police Department
website: https://columbiapd.net/rental-housing.html.
Applications can be delivered or mailed to the Code Enforcement Division Office located at 1136
Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who needs to get a Residential Rental Permit?
A residential rental permit is required for all residential rental units in the City of Columbia. If an owner resides in the unit or if the unit is under a written contract to be bought by the occupant, a permit is not required. The Code Enforcement Division reserves the right to request documentation to support any exemptions.
I have a Business License; Do I still need a rental permit?
Yes. A rental permit is required for all residential rental units in the City of Columbia even if you have a business license as a landlord and/or are a licensed Professional Management Company. However, if you have a business license the fee for the permit is waived. Please provide a copy of your business license with the application. Please note that a business license is required for anyone who owns or manages 5 or more rental units.
How much does the permit cost?
The cost of the permit is $25 a year per unit. However if you have a business license as a Professional Management Company the fee for the permit is waived. Please provide a copy of your business license with the application.
Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook, City of Columbia Police Department #1 Justice Square / PO Box 1059 / Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3500 / www.columbiapd.net
Will the City mail me the application?
Unfortunately due to the large volume of applications we are taking at this time we are unable to mail the application. The application is available online at https://columbiapd.net/rental-housing.html or available for pick up in the Code Enforcement Division.
When do I have to get the permit?
The ordinance went into effective on July 1, 2016. Applications continue to be accepted. Again, the grace period for compliance ends October 1, 2016.
Where do I get the permit?
The application is available online at https://columbiapd.net/rental-housing.html or available for pick up in the Code Enforcement Division at 1136 Washington Street, on the second floor. Rental permits will be issued beginning on July 1, 2016 at the same location. Permits will be available for pick
up on July 1st for the applications received prior to that date.
How long is the permit good for?
The permit is good for one year from the date of issuance. If you have a specific date that you would like the permit to renew each year, we can set it to expire on that date and prorate any permit fee associated with it.
Can anyone get the rental permit?
Either the owner of the property or a local agent can apply for the permit. The local agent can be a Professional Management Company. Any outstanding fees owed to the City must be paid prior to issuance of the permit. Both the owner and the designated local agent must sign the application.
What if I have more than one rental unit?
A residential rental permit is required for each rental unit. The applications are designed to allow you to apply for as many permits as needed on one application. Please provide a separate self-checklist for each unit or request a courtesy inspection of the units by one of our inspectors. For structures with 5 or more units you may submit 1 checklist per structure certifying that all units within that structure meet the minimum safety standards.
I have a family member who lives there; do I still need a permit?
If any person is paying rent, paying utilities or other fees, or similar in-kind services to the owner of the property, a permit is required.
Am I required to hire a Professional Management Company?
No. A local agent is required within 45 miles of the City of Columbia. The local agent can be a relative or a friend that you designate to take responsibility of the property and serve as our primary contact.