Sec. 13-112. Same; Section 107, Notices and Orders

Section 107.3 is amended to read as follows: "107.3 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed to be properly served if a copy thereof is delivered personally or sent by certified or first-class mail addressed to the last known address, and by written consent of the rental license applicant or rental renewal license applicant, sent by email. Except for email, if the notice is returned showing that the letter was not delivered, indicating notice of returned service, a copy thereof shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by such notice. The Department shall provide guidelines for implementation of email methods of service. It is the responsibility of those who consent in writing to be served a notice of violation, civil citation, and administrative citation of the Housing Code by email to maintain a current email address with the Department. If email consent is provided then, service by certified mail or first-class mail is not required. Failure to update the Department with a new email is not a basis to challenge service. Failure to update an email address shall preclude the applicant from any notice- related defenses."

Section 107.5 is amended to read as follows: "107.5 Transfer of ownership. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling unit or structure who has received a compliance order or upon whom a notice of violation has been served to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of such dwelling unit or structure to another until the provisions of the compliance order or notice of violation have been complied with, or until such owner shall first furnish the grantee, transferee, mortgagee, or lessee a true copy of any compliance order or notice of violation issued by the Code Official."

A new Section 107.6 is added to read as follows: "107.6 Transfer of responsibility. A contract, lease, or other agreement, effective as between the owner and operator, operator and occupant, or owner and occupant, with regard to matters covered hereunder, shall not relieve any party of the direct responsibility under the provisions of this Code."