Lansing — Ch. 1460 Rental Properties (§§ 1460.44–1460.52) § 1460.44

(a) General . All rental properties in the City of Lansing, except owner-occupied single-family dwellings, are subject to Sections 1460.44 through 1460.52 of this Code. Owners and agents of rentals subject to this Code shall register their names, telephone numbers and place of residence or usual places of business, and the location of the premises regulated by this Code, with the Office of Code Compliance, all absentee landlords shall have a registered agent in Lansing. An absentee landlord is the owner of property that is leased, assigned or rented to another and who lives more than 40 miles from the Lansing City Limits.
(b) Identification Required. The owner of any rental properties shall provide proof or verification of his or her driver's license or State of Michigan Personal Identification Card to the Office of Code Compliance. A corporation, limited liability company, trust, partnership, or D.B.A. registered with the State of Michigan or county shall provide such other information as may be required by the Office of Code Compliance. If the premises are managed or operated by an agent, the owners shall provide proof or verification of the agent's driver's license or State of Michigan Personal Identification Card to the Office of Code Compliance which shall be placed with the owner's name in the registry.
(c) Time Allowed to Register Rental Property. The owner(s) shall be responsible for registering a rental property within 30 days following the day on which the owner offers the premises, dwelling or unit for occupancy. If there is a transfer or change in any owner or agent required to register under this section, the new owner or agent shall, within 30 days of such transfer or change, notify, in writing, the Office of Code Compliance and provide the information required under this section.
(d) Change of Owner or Agent's Address or Phone. After registration, if the registered owner or registered agent changes residence or his or her usual place of business or his or her telephone number(s). The registered owner or agent shall provide, in writing, the new address(es) and/or telephone number(s) to the Office of Code Compliance within 15 days of such change. If there is a new agent or there is no longer an agent, the registered owner shall provide, in writing, the required information to the Office of Code Compliance within 15 days of such change.
(e) Transfer of Ownership. If there is a transfer of ownership for any rental dwelling or unit required to be registered under this section, the registered owner or agent shall, within 15 days of such transfer or change, notify, in writing, the Office of Code Compliance and provide the name(s) and address of the new owner(s). If the registered owner or agent sells or transfers the property on a land contract or similar real estate installment sales contract, the registered owner or agent shall provide a copy of that entire land contract or agreement which has been recorded with the county register of deeds to the office of code compliance and the city assessor's office within 15 days of such sale or transfer. The registered owner or agent shall provide such additional information as may be required by the Office of Code Compliance. The property shall be presumed to be a rental if the documentation required pursuant to this subsection is not filed as provided herein.
(f) Application for Certificate of Compliance. An owner or agent shall apply for a Certificate of Compliance. Inspection and issuance of certificates shall comply with the requirements of this Code and with the procedures established by the Office of Code Compliance. If any owner or agent fails to make an application for a Certificate of Compliance, the occupant of the dwelling may apply for a certificate.
(g) Certificate of Compliance Withheld. When a certificate is withheld pending compliance or the rental dwelling is not registered, or premises is not occupied for dwelling purposes, the premises shall not be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is obtained. Those premises which are occupied for dwelling purposes may be ordered vacated until reinspection and proof of compliance has been obtained.
(h) Lack of Certificate of Compliance. If a rental dwelling unit lacks a current Certificate of Compliance or is not registered within the required time stated in subsections (c) and (d) hereof, the dwelling may be ordered vacated and the occupants may pay the rent into an escrow account until a Certificate of Compliance is issued. The Office of Code Compliance may notify occupants when the Certificate of Compliance is issued. A nonrefundable administrative service fee as established by City Council Resolution shall be assessed in instances where the lack of a current certificate of compliance necessitates investigation by the Office of Code Compliance and noncompliance is found to exist.
(i) Certificate Issued on Condition. A Certificate of Compliance shall be issued on the condition that the premises remain in a safe, healthful and fit condition for occupancy. If, upon reinspection, the Manager of Code Compliance determines that conditions exist which are in violation of this Code. The certificate shall be immediately revoked and the premises may be vacated as provided in Section 1460.01 (m).