ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: May 24, 1996
Dept. File: 2191IC.COV
TO: Vancouver City Council
FROM: Deputy Chief License Inspector
SUBJECT: 1936 Grant Street
INFORMATION
The General Manager of Community Services submits this report for
INFORMATION.
COUNCIL POLICY
Council directed that staff report back in three months with
information on this property.
PURPOSE
This report is to provide Council with an update on the management of
the rental property at 1936 Grant Street.
BACKGROUND
In 1995, staff and Council members were receiving an increasing number
of complaints about the rental house located at 1936 Grant Street.
Staff, along with the Police Department, investigated the situation
and determined that the problems stemmed from poor management
practices.
On September 13, 1995, the Chief License Inspector held a license
review hearing with Nancy and Wing Young, the property owners and
license holders, as to whether or not the business license should be
suspended. After reviewing the evidence, the license was suspended
for a period of two months. This suspension was subsequently appealed
to Council.
On October 17, 1995, a hearing on the appeal of the 1995 business
license suspension was heard. After hearing the evidence from staff,
neighbours and the license holders, the appeal was denied and the
license suspension upheld. Council also asked for a report back as to
whether a satisfactory management structure is in place.
DISCUSSION
The owners of 1936 Grant Street have rented both of the dwelling units
as of February 1, 1996. They continue to manage the building
themselves, which initially raised some concerns. A number of
meetings have been held to ensure the owners understand their
responsibilities as license holders. They now have instituted a
policy of using rental contracts with their tenants, and appear to be
properly screening the tenants.
The neighbours report that the management style appears to have
changed, and there have not been any problems with the tenants or the
owners.
An inspection on May 23 revealed that the building and the yards are
in good condition. The building is occupied by two families as per
the approved use, and there are no outstanding problems.
CONCLUSION
The property at 1936 Grant is currently being managed in a
satisfactory manner. Staff will continue to monitor the premises and
should future problems arise, they will be reported to Council
immediately.
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