Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh launched Look Before You Rent, a new tool for community members to learn more about rental properties in Syracuse. The interactive map allows users to search by address or neighborhood to discover a property’s status on the City’s Rental Registry and Certificate of Compliance programs. It also provides information on code violations, if a property has been declared unfit, and other property information.
The Rental Registry and Certificate of Compliance programs help protect residents’ safety by requiring landlords to register their property with the Division of Code Enforcement. Rental properties must be inspected every three years and be clear of any code violations to be issued a certificate.
“We want people to live in safe, healthy housing and have access to property information that can help them make informed decisions before signing a lease,” said Mayor Walsh. “Look Before You Rent is built on a user-friendly map that provides a baseline understanding of a property’s record with City Code Enforcement. It increases codes transparency and encourages greater accountability for landlords with open code violations or non-compliance with our rental certificate programs.”
The map enables users to access up-to-date housing data interactively on both desktop and mobile devices. Once selecting a property address, a pop-up window appears with owner information, code enforcement data, property history, and a link to see the area in google street view. The tool provides additional neighborhood context including Syracuse Common Council districts, vacant properties, and neighborhood amenities such as bicycle and bus routes, bus stops, schools, and parks.
Sharon Sherman, Executive Director of the Greater Syracuse Tenants Network says, “As an agency who helps assist low-income tenants in obtaining safe and affordable rental housing, the Look Before You Rent tool will be incredibly helpful to us and the tenants we serve. Tenants will be able to look before they decide to rent, to see if serious violations such as lead-based paint hazards are present. This is a step in the right direction to providing better access to important housing information impacting tenant health and safety.”
For step-by-step instructions and to use the tool, visit syr.gov/look-before-you-rent.