As October approaches, Conway's rental licensing program gears up to issue its first violation notices to property owners not in compliance. This follows the passing of Article 24 on April 9, allowing the town to inspect and regulate long- and short-term rentals. Deputy Town Manager Paul DegliAngeli and Zoning Enforcement Officer Nicholas DeVito outlined the program's progress and next steps in a recent interview with the Sun.
Key Elements of the Rental Licensing Program
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Life Safety Inspections: The program mandates that rental properties undergo life safety inspections conducted by DeVito and fire officials. This step is crucial to ensure properties meet basic safety standards, such as having functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. DeVito highlighted the surprising number of properties lacking these essential safety features.
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Registration and Compliance: Landlords must file registration paperwork to be considered compliant. To date, 560 rental applications have been submitted, including those granted and pending. Property owners had the option to submit self-affidavits until January 26.
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Enforcement Timeline: The enforcement process is set to intensify with public hearings on the fine schedule expected in August. Following these hearings, violation letters may be sent out in October, with subsequent fines issued approximately two weeks later.
Addressing Violations
DeVito outlined a structured approach to handling violations. Initially, a notice of violation will be issued to non-compliant property owners, followed by fines if there is no response within a specified period. The selectmen will determine the exact fines and response times, but the process aims to be fair, providing ample time for owners to address issues.
Challenges and Legal Considerations
Despite its life safety benefits, the program has faced resistance, with groups like the Mt. Washington Valley Association for Responsible Rentals questioning its legality. DeVito remains confident in the program's due diligence and its alignment with legal standards, although he acknowledges ongoing legal scrutiny.
Looking Ahead
As the program evolves, DeVito expects an increase in inspections, particularly as one-year self-affidavits begin to expire. The town's commitment to ensuring rental properties meet safety standards remains steadfast, even as they navigate challenges and potential pushback.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Conway's rental licensing program as the town works to balance safety, compliance, and property owner responsibilities.
Read the full story in the Conway Daily Sun