As we age, we take steps to maintain and improve our health. The neighborhoods and structures in Reynoldsburg likewise require maintenance to stay in good health as they age. Individual structures and neighborhoods that are not maintained not only deteriorate beyond a usable point, they also cost more money.

Based on statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, abandoned or boarded-up buildings nearby can reduce the value of a home by 30.7%. Trash in a neighborhood can reduce values by 14.5%. Property values fall, vandalism and crime occur more frequently, and neighborhoods become noisy, dirty, and uncomfortable.

There is a simple solution to maintaining good neighborhoods-Individual Property Owner Responsibility. Unfortunately, many people are not responsible owners. That is why citizens band together to ask government to create minimum standards for housing, yards, parking, etc. These standards protect surrounding property owners and tenants, who might otherwise suffer substandard condition.

Please review the following property checklist and take the steps to be a responsible property owner. If we can be of any assistance, please call our office at 1-614-866-9550.

Property Checklist (Use this list to evaluate your own property)

Structures: Repair rotted wood, broken or missing boards, siding or shingles and make all exterior parts weather tight, rodent-proof and sound. Exterior must be resistant to water and covered with paint, siding, or brick that is in good condition.

Inspect:

Exterior walls

Roof parts including rafters, soffit, fascia, roof covering

Railings on stairs, elevated landing & porches fences (should be in good repair and of legal height).

Keep housing safe, sanitary, in good repair and sound condition.

Inspect both the interior and exterior:

Walls, ceilings, floors

Plumbing pipes and fixtures

Windows and screen

Make sure that:

Address numbers are attached to the house and clearly visible from the street.

When a new numbers are installed they must be 4" high.

Garbage is properly disposed of

Insects and rodents are exterminated and there are no areas where stagnant water collects and breeds mosquitoes.

Storage:

Store furniture, building materials, junk, disabled or untagged automobiles, refrigerators, freezers and auto parts under a legally constructed structure.

Yard Maintenance:

Mow the lawn so that grass is 6" or less n height

Edge or remove growth from sidewalks, curblines, gutters

Trim shrubs in the public right-of-way that adjoins your property.

Autos and Trucks:

Must be properly licensed and operable

No parking or domestic equipment (Boat and Trailer, utility trailer, camper, recreation vehicle) is permitted on the street or the city right-of-way.