Portland, Maine, is launching its rental housing registration process in the wake of a fatal fire last year that killed six people.
The city created a Housing Safety Office in June. The registration program requires landlords to register rental properties and pay $35 per unit by Jan. 1.
City Manager Jon Jennings says the registration will allow Portland to gather data on its rental housing stock. The city will use the information to build a database for inspectors.
Landlords can reduce the registration fee with discounts that are available for adhering to strict safety standards.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
