Property rental requirements, tenants duties before renting

The City of Columbia told ABC 17 News that all property owners are required to undergo an inspection with a city staff member for their properties to be registered as a rental.

They do that by inspecting the home and making sure the property meets city codes.

Neighborhood Services Manager, Leigh Kottwitz, with the City of Columbia stresses the importance of renters doing their part as well.

On Dec. 15 firefighters responded to a house fire, where we learned the property was not registered with the city as a rental.

ABC 17 News then discovered who the property owner was and he stated he did not have the property registered with the city because time got the best of him and dealing with his ill wife was his top priority.

Since the fire, the landlord then told ABC 17 News, along with Kottwitz he did contact the city and took ownership of not having it register. .

Kottwitz also stated the vast majority of rentals are in compliance with city code and although the incident with the house fire on 506 Hunt Ave., can very well be a civil issue, they do not anticipate the City seeking any prosecution on this matter.

The neighborhood services manager said all parties should do their part and make sure a property is registered.

To do so, you can visit COMO.gov website here, where it will allow renters to enter an address. If someone is having trouble, Kottwitz said people should not hesitate to call the City at 573-874-2489.