All states enforce property standards among owners and landlords. Aside from having the correct permits, they should also comply with specific regulations, possibly impacting how safe the property is for its occupants.
The resolution process often begins when the local agency receives complaints or reports about property code violations. If they exist, these offenses will undergo the typical procedures to correct and verify compliance before closing the case. Most of the time, it includes the following basic steps:
- Reporting the violation: Once reported, investigators from the relevant agency will try to visit the property within the next five business days. If the inspection found nothing wrong, they close the case and send the notice to the landlord or owner.
- Receiving the abatement notice: This notice indicates the findings from the investigator’s visit, detailing violations, if there are any. This notice also has the time allowed for the landlord to correct the violations.
- Reinspecting the property: Once the allotted time passes, an investigator will revisit the property and determine the corrections done. They close the case if the results are adequate. If not, the inspector can provide more time to complete the work or escalate the issue.
- Receiving civil warrants or citations: The landlord or owner must appear in court after receiving the warrant or citation. The duration of this stage could vary based on the situation.
- Appearing in environmental court: If found guilty of the violations, the court can enforce fines, accumulating with each day for noncompliance.
- Cycling through the process as needed: The local agency can continue cycling through reinspection and issuing citations or warrants as long as the violations remain. If the corrections are not feasible, the agency may order demolition or property liens if appropriate.
The resolution process can vary, depending on the violation committed.
Correcting property standards violations
The state receives countless complaints about violations daily, necessitating a process allowing the agency to organize and address reports adequately. If a landlord or owner faces these issues, it is best to correct them immediately to avoid significant penalties.
