The Real Estate Investor Association of Jamestown, in cooperation with the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors, will host a town hall meeting for property owners, property managers and realtors on May 12 at Wicked Warren’s on Third Street.

The forum will give property owners, property managers, and realtors a chance to receive clear, firsthand information about the Chautauqua County Health Department Lead Rental Registry Program and the city of Jamestown Rental Property Registry.

Official speakers include Anna Powell, Chautauqua County Health Department childhood lead and Healthy Homes coordinator, and Crystal Surdyk, city development director.

Founded in Jamestown in 1970 by five local landlords, the Real Estate Investor Association (REIA) provides a forum for property owners and real estate professionals to connect, share information, and support responsible rental housing practices. Today, REIA maintains 60-80 members, including property owners, property managers, and real estate professionals involved in buying, selling, and managing rental housing throughout Jamestown and surrounding areas.

The May 12 town hall is designed to support open dialogue among key stakeholders, explain current requirements, and help attendees understand compliance expectations and available resources.

COUNTY LEAD RENTAL REGISTRY

The Chautauqua County Health Department’s Lead Rental Registry Program establishes a proactive system aimed at identifying and mitigating lead hazards in rental housing to help reduce childhood lead exposure. All residential rental properties in the 14701 ZIP code containing two or more units constructed before 1980 must undergo inspections to ensure they are free of lead hazards.

Property owners are required to obtain a Lead Safety Certificate for every rented unit. Any lead hazards that are identified must be addressed using lead-safe work practices and must be corrected promptly. Compliance will be monitored and enforced to prevent childhood lead poisoning and maintain safer housing conditions throughout the community.

JAMESTOWN RENTAL PROPERTY REGISTRY

All residential rental properties in Jamestown must be registered. The registration will help the city address and enforce substandard housing laws, maintain current owner and property manager information, and build a database for emergency response and to send important legal communication directly to the owner.

Owners who didn’t register by Aug. 1, 2024, must do so now to avoid penalties. New property owners must register within 30 days of ownership transfer.

All rental properties are subject to inspection within 90 days of ownership transfer. That inspection will include the exterior, common areas and all rental units.

The town hall will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in the third floor meeting room at Wicked Warren’s, 119 W. Third St., Jamestown. Elevator access is available when entering the venue.

For more information, email REIAjamestown@yahoo.com.