Midlothian CHAPTER 19 RESIDENTIAL RENTAL HOUSING § 4-19-11

No residential rental housing shall be occupied or continued to be occupied unless the structure in which said unit is located complies with the provisions and standards of the property maintenance code adopted by the village of Midlothian as chapter 18 of this title and is maintained in a structurally sound condition and kept free from health, fire and other hazards to life and property.


(A) General Repair: The owner of residential rental housing shall be responsible for keeping the premises maintained in good repair and fit for human habitation, which shall include the building's interior and exterior and all living areas. Repairs may require obtaining proper village building permits.


(B) Exterior And Site: The building exterior and sites which residential rental housing are located shall be maintained and be in compliance with village ordinances, including, but not limited to:


1. Building exterior envelope: walls, roof, soffits, doors, windows, etc.


2. Building address.


3. Landscaping.


4. Parking lot spaces and access aisle repair and maintenance.


5. Roof and site water drainage of an "approved" design.


6. Public and private sidewalks.


7. The property maintenance code adopted by the village of Midlothian as chapter 18 of this title.


(C) Exterior Balconies: Exterior balconies and porches may not be used as storage areas.


(D) Equipment Safety And Maintenance: Every facility, piece of equipment, utility or service which is required under this chapter shall be so constructed and/or installed to function safely and effectively and shall be maintained in satisfactory working condition and shall not be removed, shut off or disconnected in any occupied residential rental housing, except for such temporary interruptions as may be necessary while actual repairs or alterations are in process or during temporary emergencies or tenant's failure to pay agreed upon services. Utilities or services shared by more than one unit shall be the owner's responsibility to maintain.


(E) Rodents, Insects, And Other Pests: All structures shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. A licensed pest control company shall inspect and/or treat all residential rental housing annually. Receipts or reports must be made available upon request to the village inspector. All structures in which insects or rodents are found shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. If, upon inspection, there is an insect or rodent infestation in more than one dwelling unit, the owner shall be required to contract with a licensed extermination company to treat all common areas and infested units not less than on a monthly basis for the remainder of the license year.


(F) Garbage Containers: Providing for garbage and rubbish removal and supplying such facilities or containers as are necessary for the sanitary disposal of all garbage and rubbish is a condition of occupancy. Storage of all containers shall be at the rear of the building in such a manner as to be concealed from view from the street or public way of such building. All areas surrounding the containers must be clean and free of garbage or refuse at all times. The containers must be emptied at a frequency so that garbage and rubbish does not overflow provided containers. It is the owner's responsibility to provide the appropriate type and number of such facilities or containers.


(G) Interior Storage: In a common area, patio, balcony, hallway, stairwell, or in any living areas, it shall be unlawful to:


1. Accumulate and store building materials, lumber, boxes, cartons, scrap metal, machinery, junk, flammable or hazardous materials or devices in such quantities or in such a manner as to create a fire, health, or other hazard to the premises or persons residing therein.


2. Store gasoline and similar combustible liquids (if in a multi- family dwelling such liquids must be locked in an approved fire resistant cabinet).


3. Store a motorcycle, moped, gasoline powered lawn mower, snowblower, or other similar equipment which may contain a hazardous material including, without limitation, gasoline.


(H) Public Utilities: Water, electric, and natural gas utilities must be made available and operational in buildings and rental residential units for occupancy approval. (Ord. 1722, 5-12-2010)