FAQs • Valparaiso, IN • CivicEngage

I own rental property in Valparaiso but live out of state. Am I required to appoint a local agent?: Yes. If the owner is not a resident of Porter County, Indiana, or a county contiguous to Porter County, the owner is required to designate an agent authorized to receive notification of complaints, damages, emergencies, substandard conditions, or other communications, including service of process. Agent information must be provided on your application. The address of any and all agents shall be within Porter County or a contiguous county. Rental Registration Application

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Building Department - Rental Registration Program

1. Do I need to register my property every year?: No. The ordinance calls for a one-time registration of rental units. The fee is $10 per unit. A $5 fee is charged upon change of ownership. It is the duty of the owner to keep information current with the city.

2. How can I make a complaint?: Contact the Valparaiso Building Department at 219.462.1161 or by email.

3. I own rental property in Valparaiso but live out of state. Am I required to appoint a local agent?: Yes. If the owner is not a resident of Porter County, Indiana, or a county contiguous to Porter County, the owner is required to designate an agent authorized to receive notification of complaints, damages, emergencies, substandard conditions, or other communications, including service of process. Agent information must be provided on your application. The address of any and all agents shall be within Porter County or a contiguous county. Rental Registration Application

4. Will the units be inspected regularly?: No. Rental units will only be inspected when a credible complaint has been received by the city.

5. If a complaint has been made and my unit is inspected, is there a fee?: If the inspection has been performed and no violations are found, there is no charge. If violations are found, the owner is charged a $50 inspection fee. Once corrections have been completed, a re-inspection of the unit may be required. The fee for the first re-inspection is $75. If further re-inspections are needed, all subsequent re-inspections will be assessed a fee of $200 each.

6. Will tenant information be collected by the city?: No. The rental property owner is required to maintain current tenant information. This information is only to be provided to the city for valid legal purposes, such as giving any notice, levying a fine against a tenant, or obtaining a search warrant to inspect.