The City of Rehoboth Beach Rental License is a mandatory requirement for all residential rentals within the city, excluding hotels, motels, inns, tourist homes, boarding houses, cabins, and cottages. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential details and specifications you need to know as a beaches touring enthusiast.
What is the Purpose and Applicability of the City of Rehoboth Beach Rental License?
The Residential Rentals Ordinance in Rehoboth Beach aims to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare of occupants by establishing regulations for residential rentals. The ordinance applies to all residential rentals, including single-family detached, single-family attached, and multi-family units, as well as portions of these units rented for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes.
What are the Requirements for Landlords in Rehoboth Beach?
Landlords in Rehoboth Beach must comply with several requirements to obtain and maintain a rental license:
- Local Contact: Landlords must designate a local contact person available 24/7 to assist in remediating concerns about a rental property.
- Self-Inspection: Landlords must conduct and submit a self-inspection of each rental property annually, focusing on life safety, property maintenance, and City Code requirements.
- Education: Landlords must educate tenants on how to be good tenants and neighbors.
- Posting Requirements: Landlords must post a residential rental business license, local contact information, and other city ordinance requirements in a conspicuous place within the rental.
- Occupancy Limitations: Overnight occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus an additional two persons, with children six years or younger not included in the count.
What is the Inspection Process for Rehoboth Beach Rental Properties?
The City of Rehoboth Beach has a comprehensive inspection process for both new and existing rental properties:
- New Rentals: Each new rental property must be inspected by the city upon application for a business license or change of property ownership to ensure compliance with city ordinances, state regulations, and the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code.
- Existing Rentals: Landlords must submit a self-inspection annually at the time of renewal.
- Inspection Items: Inspections cover exterior property maintenance, address markings, interior cleanliness and safety, window and door functionality, GFCI installations, smoke detector maintenance, and emergency escape openings.
What are the Penalties and Enforcement for Noncompliance?
The City of Rehoboth Beach takes the enforcement of its Residential Rentals Ordinance seriously. Penalties are enforced for noncompliance, including the denial of a residential rental license if a license has previously been revoked for good cause.
What are the Fees and Application Process for a Rehoboth Beach Rental License?
Obtaining a rental license in Rehoboth Beach requires the following fees and application process:
- License Fees: Fees include $50 for each home or apartment with at least one bedroom, plus $20 for each bedroom in excess of two, and $41 for efficiency apartments.
- Application Process: A separate application must be completed for each rental property, and new rentals require an inspection within 15 days of application.
Where Can I Find Additional Resources on the Rehoboth Beach Rental License?
The City of Rehoboth Beach provides several resources to help landlords and tenants navigate the rental license requirements:
- Citizen Self-Service Business License Search: This tool provides information on current residential rental business license holders.
- Building and Licensing Department: Contact the department for questions or assistance with the rental license process.
By understanding the City of Rehoboth Beach Rental License requirements, beaches touring enthusiasts can ensure a smooth and compliant rental experience during their visits to this popular coastal destination.
References
- City of Rehoboth Beach. (n.d.). Residential Rental Licenses. Retrieved from https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/residential-rental-licenses
- City of Rehoboth Beach. (2016). Residential Rental Ordinance. Retrieved from https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/sites/default/files/Item%20No.%2010%28A%29%282%29%20-%20Draft%20Residential%20Rental%20Ordinance%20Version%207%20-%20Clean%20Copy.pdf
- City of Rehoboth Beach. (n.d.). CITY OF REHOBOTH BEACH APPLICATION FOR RENTAL LICENSE. Retrieved from https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/sites/default/files/Item%20No.%204%28A%29%283%29%20-%20Draft%20Rental%20License%20Application%20Version%205.pdf
- City of Rehoboth Beach. (n.d.). Business Licenses. Retrieved from https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/business-licenses
- eCode360. (2024). City of Rehoboth Beach, DE Residential Rentals. Retrieved from https://ecode360.com/31019992.