Rental Registry Application

If you own a one or two-unit rental property in the city of Syracuse, you are required to register your property with the Division of Code Enforcement. Rental Registry ensures tenants are living in rental units that are safe, healthy, and up to code.

Who needs to apply? 
Property Owners of one or two-unit rental properties in the city of Syracuse. 
Property Requirements:
  

The property being registered:

  • must not have any open cases with the Division of Code Enforcement.
  • must be current on all taxes and water bills.
  • must not have pending nuisance abatement proceedings or orders of closure.
  • must pass both an interior and exterior inspection from Code Enforcement. 
Fee:
 $150
Frequency:
 Every three years, or after the sale of a property.

How to Apply

Online

Step 1.Access the Application

  1. Click on the button below to access our Online Application Portal.
  2. Create an account and login using a valid email address and strong password.
  3. Click the new submission button located at the top right corner of the page.
  4. Select Applications > Periodic Inspections > Rental Registry.

Step 2.Complete Application

Follow prompts to provide information. No post office box addresses will be accepted in lieu of the domicile and/or street address for any of the information required in the application. 

Step 3.Submit Payment

Pay by credit card by inputting your credit card information. Credit card fees apply. To pay by check or money order, pay to the order of the Commissioner of Finance with the name of the application and rental address in the subject line, and mail to:

Central Permit Office 
Attn: Periodic Inspections
One Park Place
300 South State Street, Suite 700
Syracuse, New York 13202

Step 4.Schedule Inspection

After your application is submitted, you must schedule an inspection with the Division of Code Enforcement by calling 315-448-8695 or by email at codeenforcement@syr.gov.

Step 5.Confirm Your Request

A confirmation email will be sent to the email you created an account with or by calling 315-448-4700.

Apply Online

In Person

Step 1.Visit the Central Permit Office

One Park Place - Entrance located on East Onondaga St.
300 South State Street
Syracuse, New York 13202

Step 2.Access the Application

You may use the computer located at the front kiosk in the Central Permit Office to access the application online. If you have questions or need assistance, a staff member can help you.

Step 3.Complete Application

Follow prompts to provide information. No post office box addresses will be accepted in lieu of the domicile and/or street address for any of the information required in the application. 

Step 4.Submit Payment

Pay by credit card by inputting your credit card information. Credit card fees apply. To pay by check or money order, pay to the order of the Commissioner of Finance with the name of the application and rental address in the subject line, and submit to the front desk at the Central Permit Office.

Step 5.Schedule Inspection

After your application is submitted, you must schedule an inspection with the Division of Code Enforcement by calling 315-448-8695 or by email at codeenforcement@syr.gov.

Step 6.Confirm Your Request

A confirmation email will be sent to the email you created an account with or by calling 315-448-4700.

FAQ's

Who needs to apply for a Rental Registry Certificate?

  • The Property Owner or Property Manager of the rental property must apply.
  • Any property that becomes a one or two-unit nonowner-occupied dwelling due to the sale of the property or other change must obtain a Rental Registry Certificate at that time.
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are required to obtain Rental Registry Certification and do not qualify for an exemption.

Are there any requirements for property owners who live outside of Onondaga County?

Yes, Property Owners who live outside of Onondaga County are required to have a local agent/property manager.

Are there any exemptions to obtaining a Rental Registry Certificate?

Yes, if you own a one or two-unit rental property and also live there year-round, the property is considered owner occupied and therefore does not require a Rental Registry Certificate. This does not apply to properties owned by an LLC.

Do I still need to complete a Rental Registry Application if the property is for sale?

 Yes, if the property is still occupied by tenants you will need to complete a Rental Registry Application - even if you intend to or are currently attempting to sell the property. Rental Registry does not transfer to new ownership. Once sold, a new Rental Registry Certificate must be obtained by the Property Owner.

What company information is needed for the Rental Registry Application?

If the owner is a corporation, general or limited partnership, or a limited liability company (LLC), the following information must be provided:

  • Corporations must include Articles of Incorporation and Operating Agreement.
  • Partnerships must include Partnership Agreement and Operating Agreement.
  • LLCs must include Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement.
  • The name, position, physical address, phone number, duties and responsibilities of each officer/shareholder/partner/member with respect to the subject rental property.

What property manager Information is needed for the Rental Registry Application?

If the owner employs a property manager, the following information must be provided:

  • Property Manager name, address, and telephone number.
  • Duties and responsibilities of the property manager.
  • Whether the property manager is a licensed real estate broker.
  • Property Manager’s real estate broker license number.

What is the application process for Rental Registry?

You may complete the Rental Registry Application using the City’s Online Application Portal. You may also visit the Central Permit Office in person to complete the application online using the kiosk near the front desk. Once the completed application gets submitted, you must schedule an inspection with the Department of Code Enforcement. If the property passes inspection, the Rental Registry Certificate will be issued.

What should I expect during an Inspection?

During inspections, officials from the Division of Code Enforcement will check for a number of property conditions that help ensure the health and safety of occupants. This Rental Property Inspection Guide(PDF, 354KB) outlines several common types of violations inspectors see if certain conditions are not maintained.

Do I need to pay for each property I wish to register?

Yes, an application and processing fee must be paid for each one or two-family nonowner-occupied dwelling. 

What is the deadline to obtain the Rental Registry Certificate?

Applications for Rental Registry are accepted year-round. If a property becomes a one or two-unit dwelling due to the sale of the property or other change, a completed Rental Registry Application must be filed with the Central Permit Office within 15 days of the change in character of the property.

When does Rental Registry need to be renewed?

Rental Registry Certificates expire three years after they are issued. The expiration date will be printed on each Rental Registry Certificate. The Property Owner must renew the registration at least 45 days prior to the expiration date of the Rental Registry Certificate.

Do I need to display the Rental Registry Certificate at my property?

Yes. Property Owners must visibly post their Rental Registry Certificate within a common space of their property and be able to present it to inspectors and other employees of the Division of Code Enforcement. If there is no common space in the dwelling, then a copy of the Rental Registry Certificate must be visibly posted within the interior of each unit.

What is the penalty for not obtaining the required Rental Registry Certificate?

Failure to obtain a required Rental Registry Certificate is a violation of the Syracuse Property Conservation Code. Such violations will be pursued as separate actions by the City’s Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (BAA) or Department of Law and subject to fines or other penalties.