Nesquehoning officials have updated the borough’s rental ordinance to include additional requirements of landlords to better serve the renters and those living around a rental property.

During the borough council meeting recently, the board approved the amended ordinance 6-1, with Councilwoman Lisa Shubeck casting the sole no vote.

She said after the meeting that the reason for her decision against the amendment was due to not providing a discount to owners as there had been in a previous version of the amendment.

Councilwoman Suzanne Smith said prior to the vote that the amendment adds a $100 fee for a two-year rental permit; as well as requires landlords to have properties inspected and provide the borough with a report and also carry the proper fire insurance in the event of a fire that then required the building to be demolished.

Nesquehoning currently has approximately 450 rental properties in the borough.

Under the updated ordinance, those wishing to rent out a property need to fill out an application with the borough for a rental permit. This increases the rental permit fee from $10 to $100 for the two years.

In addition, the ordinance outlines that within 30 days of a new occupancy at a rental property or change in the number of occupants, the landlord must provide the borough with the names of all occupants in that rental, as well as provide occupants with the owner’s contact information and phone numbers for emergency services and how to register complaints on the rental property.

The properties must also be equipped with working smoke detectors, be insured with at least $100,000 general liability insurance and have the rental permit information posted.

In addition, the rental unit must be inspected before anyone moves into the unit and a copy of the certificate of occupancy must be available to the borough upon request.

Councilman Bruce Nalesnik asked if information would be mailed to landlords.

Council also said that they would post it on the borough’s website and also provide a list of inspectors that the borough has worked with in the past as suggestions for property owners, however it would be the owner’s decision on who to use for the inspection.