*Applicable to the City of Albany only*
Residential Occupancy Permits (ROPs) are designed to ensure that rental units are safe and that the City of Albany has up-to-date contact information for property owners in case of emergencies. ROPs are valid for two years.
An ROP is essentially a basic safety inspection. Code enforcement officers check for:
- Proper placement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Safe entry and exit routes
- Overall cleanliness, safety, and security of the unit
If your unit does not have a valid ROP, your landlord cannot legally evict you for non-payment of rent. You are protected from non-payment evictions until the unit is brought into compliance and a valid ROP is issued.
Important Note: While landlords cannot evict you for non-payment without an ROP, they can sue for “fair use and occupancy” in small claims court to recover some rent.
If your unit does not have an ROP, or you’re unsure, you should:
- Check your address on the Citizen Self Service Portal to see if an ROP is active
- Call Code Enforcement to report it