Elmira Fire Department


Rental Housing Registration
and Certification

According to the City of Elmira Code of Ordinances, all rental housing in the City of Elmira must be registered by completing the Rental Housing Registration Form and returning it to the City Assessor's Office. After turning in a fully completed registration form, the property is certified to be used as a rental property.

Certified properties that meet any of the following conditions will have their certification revoked and must apply for Probationary Certification within 20 days:

  • 3 or more initial Notices and Orders to Remedy (Code Violations) from the City within any consecutive 12 month period; or
  • 3 or more nuisance abatements (junk and debris, high grass, or safety and health abatements) by the City within any consecutive 6 month period; or
  • 4 or more police responses within any consecutive 6 month period, which includes animal enforcement, but excludes medical responses; or
  • has been determined to be a public nuisance as defined by Local Law Number 1 of 2005; or
  • failure to register a rental property.

If a property loses its certification and the owner does not apply for probationary certification, the property can be posted and will not be permitted for rental.

This process is intended to apply pressure on property owners who do not properly care for rental properties with a minimal burden to those that do. The goal of these ordinances is to improve the quality of life for city residents.

These two ordinances for Registration and Certification of Rental Housing are part of a larger city plan to enhance Elmira’s neighborhoods. The City seeks to preserve the character of the neighborhoods, prevent unsafe and adverse housing conditions for city residents, and encourage investment and development.

Registration and Certification Ordinances

Frequently Asked Questions about the Registration and Certification of Properties in the City of Elmira

*The FAQ below is intended to be a simple summary of the law, no part of which shall be considered to supersede or replace the law. The Registration and Certification Ordinance should be read in their entirety for any questions pertaining to the law.

Why do I need to register?

Registering a rental property in the City of Elmira is now required before a property can be lawfully rented or occupied. Registering your property certifies that the city has your information on record in case of emergencies or any property-related issues, such as a fire or a code violation.

Who needs to register?

Any individual or company that owns qualifying rental housing in the City of Elmira must register each property.

When do I have to register?

Initially, owners have 90 days to register their properties. Thereafter, those who purchase properties have 60 days from closing to register.

How do I register?

If you own a qualifying property, the city will send you notification and forms in the mail. Forms are also available at the City Assessor’s office, 317 E. Church St., or as a PDF download at the bottom and right side of this page. However, registering is not dependant upon receipt of notification. Each property owner is ultimately responsible for registering his or her property.

What information must I provide?

The registration form asks for the owner’s contact information, including name, address and phone number. If you don’t have a residence or own a business in Chemung County, you will need to provide the name of someone 18 or older who does have a residence or owns a business in the county to serve as your agent or representative. If the property owner is a business entity such as a corporation or limited liability company, you will have to answer a few additional questions.

How much does registration cost?

Registration is free if you file within time limits established in the ordinance.

What if I don’t register?

If you fail to register your rental property, you will be subject to administrative fees and potential penalties. Failing to register a property also means that rental property is no longer “certified,” which means it can no longer be lawfully rented.

How often do I have to register?

Just once for each building. Once a property is registered, it remains registered and certified as long as you own it and maintain it in good standing. Chronic code violations could lead to Probationary Certification, which requires corrective action before re-certification is granted. You are required to submit a new form if there is a change in the property owner or contact information for you or your agent. Information on file must be current.

Forms

Registration Forms

Rental Housing Registration Form
A rental property owner must complete this form for each building he/she/it owns. A new owner that purchases a rental property must submit this form within 60 days of the closing date of the property transfer. This form must also be submitted by rental property owners if the contact information on their original registration form changes - this includes a new address or phone number for the owner(s) or changes to the designated agent's contact information. Complete this form and mail or bring it to:

Assessor's Office
City Hall First Floor
317 E. Church St.
Elmira, NY 14901

We cannot accept forms by fax or email.

Additional Information Sheet- Registration
Use this form to add information that does not fit on the Rental Housing Registration Form but is required to be submitted for registration.

Probationary Certification Forms

Rental Housing Probationary Certification Form
A rental property owner must complete this form within 20 days when they have been notified that the property's certification has been revoked. Complete this form and mail or bring it to the Chamberlain's Office to pay the required fees:

City Chamberlain
City Hall First Floor
317 E. Church St.
Elmira, NY 14901

We cannot accept forms by fax or email.

Additional Information- Probationary Certification
Use this form to add information that does not fit on the Rental Housing Probationary Certification Form but is required to be submitted for probationary certification.

More Information

For more information on Registration and completion of the Registration Form, please contact the City Assessor's Office:

For more information on Probationary Certification, the completion of the Probationary Certification Form, the fees, or the certification status of a specific property, contact the Inspection Services Division:

Other Resources

Registration Forms
• Rental Registration Form
• Additional Info Form
Certification Forms
• Rental Certification Form
• Additional Info Form