Landlord Responsibilities

1. Register Your Property

All non-owner occupied properties in the City of Peoria must be registered on an annual basis and information updated as soon as changes occur. Properties must be registered regardless of whether they are being rented or are vacant. The registration fee is $50 per tax ID per year. However, if you attend annual training, the registration fee is reduced to $25 per tax ID per year.

2. Complete Self-Inspection Form

All dwellings shall be inspected by the landlord and the tenant prior to the tenant moving in and at least once a year thereafter. Both the landlord and tenant shall review the property using a form provided by the City of Peoria. This form should be completed and signed by both the landlord and the tenant. It is the responsibility of the landlord to retain the form and have it available upon request by the City of Peoria.  Click here to download a copy of the self-inspection form.

3. Follow City Ordinances

Obey all laws and ordinances regarding housing and building codes which affect tenant health and safety.  City of Peoria codes can be found at municode.com.

4. Be a Responsive Landlord

Make all required repairs and keep the premises in fit and habitable condition. If your tenant has a problem that you are responsible to fix, make the corrections as specified by your rental agreement.

5. Set Clear Expectations

Make clear who is responsible for property maintenance. In addition to tickets being issued to the tenant or the landlord seeking fines for violations, if a work order is issued to clean the property

Landlord Tips

1. Attend the City of Peoria’s landlord training.

2. Provide tenants with a written lease. The City strongly recommends using the suggested lease provided by the City of Peoria.

3.  Provide your contact information to the tenant so they can address problems with you first.

4. Screen your tenants before putting them into your property. Run a background check, check with the County Court for previous evictions, and ask for references.

5. Require tenants to place utilities in their name prior to move in. Do not put the utilities in your name because you could be held responsible for criminal property management if you turn them off while they still reside at the residence.

6. Do not purchase more property then you can handle. More often then not, more property does not mean more profits.

7. Take time to become familiar with applicable City codes and ordinances. Information can be found online at municode.com.

8. Know the law in regards to evicting your tenants. If you have any doubts, contact a lawyer for legal advice.

9. Make sure your tenants know who is responsible for maintaining the yard. If the City has to issue a work order, the property owner will be held responsible for the bill.