Salem mandates a Multifamily Housing License for residential rental properties with three or more dwelling units under SRC Chapter 59. Licensed properties must pass safety inspections every five years and comply with Salem's Housing Code standards.
Under SRC § 59.010 and related provisions of Salem's Housing Code (SRC Chapter 59), owners of multifamily dwellings—three or more dwelling units on one lot or contiguous lots—must obtain a Multifamily Housing License from the City. Applications are submitted to the Building and Safety Division (503-588-6421). Licenses cannot be transferred upon change of ownership (SRC § 30.035). Once licensed, properties are inspected at least once every five years by a City Multifamily Inspector. Inspections verify compliance with habitability, structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire-safety standards in SRC Chapter 59. A Certificate of Inspection is issued upon passing. Short-term rentals (fewer than 30 nights) have a separate license requirement and must also meet SRC Chapter 59 standards, with inspections every five years.
Operating a multifamily rental without a valid license is a code violation; penalties include civil fines, mandatory compliance orders, and potential revocation of rental authorization. Each day of non-compliance is a separate infraction.
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