The Winona City Council has voted to amend the city's rental housing licensing policy.
  
At the time of initial application and renewal of a rental housing license, the applicant would have to provide e
evidence to the city that all unpaid or delinquent real estate taxes, assessments and municipal service charges on the property are paid and current.

Council member, Michelle Alexander, who is also a realtor at Winona Real Estate, voiced concerns over possible extenuating circumstances, like renters not reporting potential expensive problems.

Steve Carson, manager of Winona City Inspections, told the council the city will be happy to work with people to pay off unpaid charges and the goal is to weed out the landlords who never pay or always behind.        

The requirement of paying prior to issuing the license will be similar to current city code as it relates to liquor licenses.  Carson says a landlords license would only be suspended not revoked if they fail to pay in a timely manner.