After a year of discussion, Alliance Councilman Phillip Mastroianni announced that the city’s rental registration proposal is nearing completion and will soon be presented to the Alliance City Council.

Mastroianni, who leads the committee developing the proposal, expects it to go before the council in late January or early February. The council will hold three readings and discussions before voting on the ordinance, potentially as early as March.

The proposed rental registration fee would apply to “non-owner-occupied homes in the city,” Mastroianni said. The goal of the proposal is to establish standards for rental properties and hold landlords accountable when those standards are not met.

“Everyone who rents in Alliance deserves to have acceptable living conditions,” Mastroianni said. “This is an important and in-depth topic, and we have taken our time on the subject and not rushed it through. When we present it to Council, we want to make sure it reflects the points discussed over the past year and incorporates community input.”

Rental Registration Details

Key components of the proposed ordinance include:

• Annual Landlord Registration: Landlords would be required to complete an annual form providing the owner’s name, contact information, and other details.
• Reporting Portal: The city would establish an online or in-person portal for landlords and tenants to report issues with rental properties.
• Complaint Investigations: The city would investigate complaints using the information provided. Property owners found in violation of zoning regulations would receive a letter giving them 30 days to resolve the issue. If unresolved, further action, including fines, could follow.

“This will allow the City of Alliance to follow up on calls or issues we receive from tenants or landlords,” Mastroianni said. “Plus, our goal is to have all the properties in Alliance receive an inspection or review. It may also include inspections of owner-occupied homes, using the current property management code as a guide.”

Mastroianni emphasized the importance of holding property owners accountable to ensure safe and habitable housing. “As a lifelong resident, born and raised here, one of my goals for being elected to council is to make the City of Alliance an attractive place to live. Improving and maintaining our current housing stock is a critical piece of that effort.”

Community Reactions

Two groups in Alliance have taken interest in the proposal. One group, composed of landlords, has expressed opposition to the rental registration fee. Another, the Alliance Citizens for Safe Housing, advocates for tenants and works to ensure their voices are heard.

The next Alliance City Council meetings are scheduled for the first and third Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. at the Alliance City Municipal Courthouse. Residents interested in following the proposal’s progress are encouraged to attend.