Rental Unit Conservation Law
The Rental Unit Conservation Law regulates the licensing, operation, standards and conditions for rental housing within the City of Columbia. This regulation specifies that all rental housing is issued a Certificate of Compliance. This certificate is a statement that the rental unit for which it was issued meets the general licensing ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance, the Property Maintenance Code and other applicable standards. It is unlawful to operate within the city any apartment house, rooming house, two-family dwelling, or a single rental unit without a current certificate of compliance.
Procedure for issuance of a certificate
- If the unit has a gas furnace or appliances: have the vented mechanical appliances, gas furnace, boiler, water heaters, etc., inspected and certified by a licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanic. You will need to arrange for this inspection with an HVAC contractor. Have the mechanic complete the HVAC certification form. If the unit is all electric, you can sign the form confirming that no HVAC inspection was needed.
- Apply for a rental certificate on the application provided by the Office of Neighborhood Services. You must submit a completed HVAC certification form, the rental application and the required fees to the Office of Neighborhood Services. The fees are $60 per building and $26 per unit. Examples: for a single family house the fees are $86 ($60 plus $26), a duplex is $112 ($60 plus $52), four plex is $164 ($60 plus $104).
- After submitting your application and fees, you will be notified of your inspection date and time. If you receive your appointment and need to adjust the date or time, just let us know!
- The inspector will meet you at the property for your inspection appointment. If there are no violations noted at the inspection the certificate will be issued.
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