+1-755763.jpg)
| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 26, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
Council Passes Tougher Penalties for Absentee Landlords
The Columbus City Council has passed legislation designed to better hold owners accountable when their property or properties violate city codes. The ordinance, the Penalties for Disappearing Real Property Owner law, was sponsored by Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares and sends a clear message to property owners that they must maintain their property to acceptable community standards and be available when city leaders are trying to work with them to remedy code violations on their property.
“Many times, these property owners are nowhere to be found when homes, duplexes or complexes fall into disrepair,” said Tavares who chairs the Housing Committee. “These properties present a nuisance to our neighborhoods and in some cases are a clear danger to the community.”
The new law allows the City Attorney’s office to charge a property owner with a first degree misdemeanor when the owner cannot be contacted at the address they have listed with the City, county Auditor’s or Recorder’s office. The City must also prove to the court they have made a good faith effort to locate a property owner by other means. A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by 60 days in jail and a $1000 fine. Currently, the City can only pursue third degree penalties. The ordinance is the result of many months of hard work between Councilmember Tavares’ office, City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr., and interested parties. Councilmember Tavares hosted four public hearings on the matter and secured the support of such groups as the Columbus Board of Realtors before submitting final legislation to Council.
“This has been a true collaboration to build consensus in the community for a common sense law that will help Columbus clean-up vacant or abandoned properties in a quicker, safer manner,” said Tavares.
-30-
