Rental homeowners may soon hand over more money for permit fees.

The Iowa City Housing Inspection Division has recommended increasing the rental permit fee by roughly 5 percent for single-family homes and duplexes and 6 percent for multifamily units as part of the fiscal 2013 budget.

The Iowa City city councilors want the rental housing division to fund 100 percent of its budget through permit fees; the new fee schedule would go into effect June 1.

Multifamily buildings would see a 11-cent-per-month increase, and typical three-bedroom units would see a 42-cent-per-month increase.

The Iowa City Code states that rental units must be inspected every two years, and rental permits’ duration are for two years.

The councilors will vote on a resolution at their next meeting, March 6.

— by Kristen East