Page last updated on June 3, 2025 at 4:05 pm
In the interest of public health, safety, and welfare, the director of HAND has the authority given in BMC 16.01.080(b) to “adopt and promulgate rules and procedures; to interpret and implement the provision of [Title 16]; and to secure the intent thereof.”
The following are summaries of interpretations, as determined by the HAND Director. Complete text of each interpretation, is linked after each summary.
- Effective immediately: The term “complaint” as stated in BMC 16.03.025(d) shall be interpreted to be equivalent to the definition of “complaint inspection” contained in BMC 16.02.020, which states in relevant part: “...a written request that indicates there is a violation of title 16 at the stated residential rental unit submitted by any resident of the city, any governmental agency or employee, [etc.].” See full text.
- Effective 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2025: BMC 16.02.020 “Residential rental unit” (1) “Occupancy in a residential rental unit owned by Indiana University,” shall include properties that are owned by the Indiana University (IU) Foundation. See full text.
- Effective 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2025: In BMC§ 16.03.030(e), the term "mail" shall include "email." See full text.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on April 14, 2025: In the event of a "rent-to-own" or "sale-on-contract" property, the seller shall take the normal steps as though the property was a normal rental, with the buyer of the property taking the place of the renter. Once all Title 16 requirements are fulfilled, and a copy of the contract has been provided to HAND signed by both parties, a temporary occupancy permit shall be issued for the duration of the contract. Once the contract is complete, the temporary occupancy permit will be void. In the event the contract is broken or changed, the legal title holder shall be responsible for informing HAND and the temporary occupancy permit is void effective immediately, unless otherwise directed by the HAND Director. In the event the buyer rents the property before the contract is complete, both the buyer and original seller are subject to Title 16. See full text.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on June 1, 2025: If a residential rental unit is owned by a limited liability corporation or similar entity, and is occupied as a primary residence by the incorporator, the governing person, or the registered agent, or their equivalent, then the property shall be treated as occupied by the owner. See full text.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on June 1, 2025: This interpretation concerns the BMC § 16.02.020 definition of "residential rental unit," concerning "owner and/or their legal dependent," as it relates to properties held in trust. Beneficiaries of properties held in trust as listed in the trust-creating document shall be treated as "legal dependent" for terms of this section. See full text.
Effective 12:01a.m. on July 1, 2025: To ensure the compliance with requirements found in BMC§ 16.03.040, HAND shall automatically schedule all cycle inspections, reinspections, and complaint inspections. If the time does not work with the owner of the property, it shall be the duty of the owner to reschedule. See full text.
Please direct any questions regarding the above policy to the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development at hand@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3420.