Maine Wire: Unlawful rental registries: Coming soon to a city near you

Maine Wire: Unlawful rental registries: Coming soon to a city near you by Jacob Posik:

This provision allows code enforcement officers to enter any rental unit in the city without first obtaining a warrant or consent from the landlord or tenant, for the purpose of inspecting the property for code violations.

Additionally, the ordinance reads “Owner-occupied dwelling units need not necessarily be inspected.” If a landlord in Sanford lives in and owns a duplex, for instance, the portion of the building occupied by the landlord is still subject to warrantless searches without consent.

The ordinance states that anyone who fails to register a rental unit or abide by any other provision of the ordinance is subject to civil penalties and fines. Further, the city will seek an “administrative warrant” to conduct the inspection without consent.

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