Following months of negotiations and debate, Madison’s Landlord and Tenant Issues Committee voted Thursday to pass a certification that aims to encourage positive landlord practices in the city.
The program, first introduced in October 2017, also seeks to diminish poor relations between landlords and tenants. In their meeting Wednesday, the committee stressed the time they took establishing this program, especially for landlords transitioning from state guidelines that are no longer mandatory. This program would be a voluntary substitute overseen by the city.
In January, the state Legislature passed a sweeping bill that included more than 100 changes to state and local tenant laws.
Madison’s new certification program reestablishes ordinances that used to be law, but through a voluntary program. The goal is for landlords who comply with the “21 Best Practices” to receive certification by the city.
Under the program, some of the “best practices” for landlords would include requiring preemptive notice prior to entry or showing of the leased property, establishing fluid communication with tenants and limiting fees for late rent to under 5 percent of the periodic rent.
According to the committee, though they cannot legally enforce landlords' compliance with these standards, the certification is a means of identifying landlords who are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with their tenants.
“This program has been a term and a half in the making,” said Alder Zach Wood, District 8, who sponsored the initiative. “It is the last tool in the toolbox.”
In mid-April, this program will go to the city council for a vote. Should it pass, the committee says that its next steps are promoting the program and encouraging tenants to comply.
