Pittsburgh eyes landlord apartment fee

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh City Council plans to vote on an ordinance requiring an annual registration fee for apartments. If passed Thursday, the new law will require apartment owners starting July 1 to register the addresses, number and types of their rentals and pay a $12 annual fee per unit. Owners also will have to include their own and their lease holders’ addresses and contact information. The city would create a database of rental properties and the owners and hire building inspectors to monitor the program. Council members say the program is a way to improve landlord accountability.