Residents in Milwaukee may soon be better informed about the fire protection and safety status of their rental homes. The city’s Public Safety & Health Committee is considering a new ordinance that would require landlords to disclose whether their properties meet the current building and fire codes, are legally exempt from certain requirements, or are non-compliant without exemptions. The move aims to increase transparency and ensure tenant safety.
The proposed ordinance, filed under #250302 by Committee Vice Chair Alderman Peter Burgelis, mandates a written acknowledgment to be provided by landlords to their tenants. This acknowledgment has to specify the rental dwelling’s compliance status, including the date of the most recent inspection, and any expiration dates on temporary occupancy permits. Burgelis highlighted the importance of the ordinance, stating, “Tenants have a right to know whether the unit they are renting is safe, compliant with building and fire codes, exempt from fire code protections, or out of compliance and unfit for occupancy.” The committee meeting to discuss this ordinance is scheduled for tomorrow, as reported by the City of Milwaukee.
Under the terms of the ordinance, properties that are exempt from certain safety requirements would still need to undergo inspection at least every six months. Furthermore, temporary occupancy permits could be renewed only after a successful inspection, ensuring continued safety compliance. According to Alderman Burgelis, “This improves transparency, protects families, and ensures that any state-statute-mandated safety exemptions are closely monitored and re-inspected twice as frequently,” according to the City of Milwaukee…