ZELIENOPLE — Landlords in Zelienople may soon be required to apply for a license to rent out property.

Borough council voted unanimously Monday to advertise a proposed ordinance for public review on how the borough handles residential rental licenses. The proposed ordinance would require any landlords to receive a license from the borough’s code enforcement officer, Jason Sarver, in order to rent out properties.

Under the proposed ordinance, rental licenses would have a term of three years. Landlords would be required to submit an application to the building inspector or code enforcement officer with a description of the rental, the owner’s name, contact information and more.

Additionally, in order to receive a license, all overdue or delinquent real estate taxes or other fines to the borough would have to be paid in full. Also, the property would have to be inspected to ensure it complies with borough ordinances and other relevant legislation.

Landlords wouldn’t need to pay any fees in order to register for a license, but anyone who rents out property without a license would face a fine of $500 for each rental unit operated in violation of the proposed ordinance. They also could face further penalties over court costs, citations and added fines for each day the property lease continues without a license.

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