The City of St. Joseph requires that all residential rental properties be licensed annually to protect the public health, safety, and the general welfare of the residents. The general objectives of the rental code are to:

• Protect the character and stability of residential areas within the city.
• Correct and prevent housing conditions that adversely affect or are likely to affect the life, safety, and general welfare and health.
• Provide minimum standards for cooking, heating, and sanitary equipment necessary for the health and safety of the residents.
• Prevent overcrowding of dwellings in the City of St. Joseph.
• Provide minimum standards for the maintenance of existing residential buildings.
• Preserve the value of land and buildings throughout the city.
• Prevent rental housing from becoming a nuisance to the neighborhood.

License Period

Rental licenses expire on August 1st of each year. Licenses must be renewed annually which includes a health safety inspection and license fee.

Rental License Application
Rental Inspection on-site Checklist