§ 28-25. Lien exemption.

(a)

The lien for non-payment shall not apply to residential rental properties where utility services are separately metered and the charges therefor are paid directly by the tenant, providing the landlord has given written notice to the clerk that the tenant is liable for the charges and an additional deposit not exceeding the usual cost of 90 days of utility services is paid to the city. The landlord's written notice shall contain the name of the tenant responsible for charges, the address of occupancy and the date of occupancy. A change in tenant shall require a new written notice and deposit. When the tenant moves from the rental property, the clerk shall refund the additional deposit if the utility services charges are paid in full and the lien exemption shall be lifted from the rental property.

(b)

When charges for utility services become delinquent, the clerk shall give notice of such delinquency to a landlord who has filed a request to be notified when the tenant is notified of the delinquency. In addition, before placing a lien on the owner's property, the clerk shall give at least ten days' written notice by first class mail to the property owner of record who has filed a request to be notified of such lien.

(Prior Code, § 87.07)