Rental registrations late fees start adding up for La Crosse landlords

For a growing number of landlords, doing business in La Crosse just got a bit more expensive.

The city’s inspection department this year has started citing landlords who don’t register their rentals on time under city rules.

The late fee isn’t cheap at $691.

As of the end of last week, 101 citations had been processed by the municipal court with more on the way.

Two years ago, the city council changed the city’s codes and made registrations free to better comply with state laws. That move came after getting sued in court over the city registration program.

Complaints have been coming in from frustrated landlords but Mayor Tim Kabat defends the fines, saying property owners had ample notice to register their properties as rentals.

Landlords are reminded by a postcard in the mail about the need to register.

City rules say rentals have to be registered by Jan. 31 or face fines of up to $1,000 per day.