Landlord fined for tenants behavior
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The City of Columbia, MO has just approved a new ordinance making the landlord at least partially responsible for enforcing city occupancy limit codes. Overcrowding can affect the public services, such as trash and sewer, as well as the property. It is also associated with higher crime rates. This new ordinance is also a tool that property owners can use with problem tenants. However, it can be difficult if your tenant has extra guests not listed on the lease. I would love to get input from other landlords about these types of issues! !!.
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We have stated in our Lease that a resident may have a guest for no longer than 10 days. If it appears the resident has allowed a guest to move in without approval from management they immediately receive a 14-day notice to correct the violation. They are also fined ten dollars per day until resolved.
If the violation is not corrected by the resident, we then file eviction or if on a month-to-month tenancy, they receive a 30-day notice to vacate. We take this very seriously as this defrays having undesirable occupants. As long as you have a solid, tight lease, you shouldn't have any problems with the city and less problems with your tenants.
On the other hand, tenants certainly have rights and having visiting guests is one of them. I have seen small town officials getting into grey areas when passing an ordinance. I'm not so sure some of them would stand up in a court of law.