🏘️ Brunswick Adopts Updated Rental Registration Ordinance: Essential Information for Landlords

On April 22, 2025, the Brunswick Town Council approved significant amendments to the town’s rental registration ordinance, aiming to enhance public safety, improve emergency response, and provide better oversight of the town’s rental housing stock.

📜 Overview of the Updated Ordinance

The updated ordinance mandates that owners of rental units register their properties with the Fire Department Fire Prevention Office (FDFPO). This registration aims to collect pertinent information about rental properties to facilitate emergency response and ensure the safety of tenants.

🏠 Key Requirements for Landlords

1. Mandatory Registration:

• Owners must register their rental properties with the FDFPO within 90 days of the ordinance’s effective date.
• Subsequent registrations are required within 90 days of adding or removing units and/or upon the sale of the property.

2. Information to Be Provided:

• Property address and unit numbers.
• Assessor’s map and lot number.
• Contact details for the property owner, property manager, emergency contact, and agent for service of notices.
• Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and presence of a kitchen in each unit.
• Details on special fire safety measures (e.g., presence of a Knox Box).

3. Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Failure to register or update registration information within the specified timeframes will result in a $50 penalty per unregistered unit. After 30 days fees double until they reach $400/unit

🧾 Exemptions and Special Considerations

• Units Rented to a member of the Owner’s immediate family is NOT considered a rental unit for the purposes of this ordinance.
• Short-term rentals and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are subject to the ordinance and must be registered.

📅 Implementation and Community Involvement

The updated ordinance is the result of extensive community engagement, including public hearings and workshops facilitated by the Brunswick Housing Committee. Feedback from landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders was instrumental in shaping the final provisions of the ordinance.

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For more detailed information and to access the registration forms, landlords are encouraged to visit the Town of Brunswick’s official website.

Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult with legal professionals or the Town of Brunswick for specific guidance related to their properties.

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