FAQs

As a landlord, can I disconnect utilities if I am forcing a tenant to move out or evicting them?: The City of St. James Public Utilities will not disconnect the tenants utility service as part of a landlord's attempt to evict a tenant. It is the policy of the City of St. James that such matters are private, civil matters between the landlord and the tenant and it is not appropriate for the City to terminate utility services for purposes of an eviction.

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Rental License

1. Do I need a Rental License if a relative is living in my house?: Yes. A residence that is occupied by anyone other than the owner of the property, even if it is a family member, is still considered a rental property as rent can be in the form of cash or maintaining the property. Relatives include, but are not limited to, children and grandchildren.

2. How long is my rental license good for?: Rental licenses are issued for each calendar year. They expire December 31 of each. Annual applications are required for every property in the city of St. James.

3. How much does the Rental License cost?: Rental license fees are set by the City Council. Presently the fee is $30 per building, not rental unit.

4. Whose responsibliity is it to have meters read in a rental property?: It is the landlord's responsibility to notify City Hall if a tenant has moved in or out of a property.

5. As a landlord, can I disconnect utilities if I am forcing a tenant to move out or evicting them?: The City of St. James Public Utilities will not disconnect the tenants utility service as part of a landlord's attempt to evict a tenant. It is the policy of the City of St. James that such matters are private, civil matters between the landlord and the tenant and it is not appropriate for the City to terminate utility services for purposes of an eviction.