Owners of rental properties in North Huntingdon could be required to register their buildings if the township approves an ordinance that would create a list of those rental units and contact information for the tenants.

North Huntingdon commissioners on Wednesday are expected to consider drafting an ordinance that would detail the criteria for creating a list of residential rental properties, beginning in January

Commissioners Eric Gass, Zachary Haigis, Virginia Stump and Ronald Zona said they were open to having an ordinance requiring the registration of rental properties and charging a fee. The township has about 1,900 rental properties, representing about 11% of the township’s households, said Harry Faulk, township manager.

The majority of the seven-member board spoke against a proposal from Faulk that the township conduct inspections of the rental properties, possibly once every three years. The inspections could be done without needing to bolster the existing code enforcement staff and take about 10-to-15 minutes per unit, Faulk said.

The proposed ordinance would require landlords to register their rental properties within 90 days, including listing tenants.

The manager proposed charging $100 for the rental registration permit, which could generate between $15,000 and $20,000 annually. This fee could generate extra revenue for the municipality at a time when it will be challenge to continue maintaining existing programs and services without a real estate tax hike.

Stump, who favored charging a $20-to-$30 fee to cover whatever processing time is needed, said North Huntingdon is one of the few townships that does not have such an ordinance and no occupancy permit inspection at the time of a sale. An inspection could ensure the property is safe and habitable, Stump said.

Any registration fees charged the landlord, likely would be passed onto the tenants, Faulk said. The fees charged for rental registration and inspections — about 633 annually — could provide sufficient revenue to cover the cost of hiring a code enforcement officer at a salary ranging from $35,00-to-$45,000, Faulk said.

With a list of rental properties containing contact information, Ryan Fonzi, planning director, said it would give the department a good point of contact. Some properties are owned by limited liability corporations based outside of Pennsylvania, he noted.

Commissioner Richard Gray, who owns rental properties, said he opposed the registry as well as any attempt to implement property inspections. He contends it is growing government and intruding on people’s lives.

“If we go out to look for trouble, we will need an army,” Gray said, referring to the need for more code inspectors.

Commissioner Jason Atwood said he did not want to enact an ordinance primarily to raise revenues, but Faulk said it is to ensure safe residences.

North Huntingdon’s neighboring communities of Irwin and North Irwin both requires tenants to be listed on a rental registration form. Irwin charges a $30 registration fee and $100 for inspecting a rental unit by a borough employee or designated agency. The rental property must comply with the building codes. Violators could face a $100 fine for each day the violation occurs.

Southwest Greensburg charges a $50 fee for its residential rental program and requires a listing of the tenants.

Jeannette requires occupancy permits for residential rental properties and inspections, which costs $100. If the residence passes inspection, the occupancy permit is good for two years. Landlords must notify the city if there is a change in tenants and have the residence inspected.

To avoid problems with long-distance landlords, the city requires that owners living more than 25 miles away name a local property manager.

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