Published on June 04, 2025
The City of Syracuse will host two technical assistance webinars to provide an overview and tutorial of Look Before You Rent, an online tool for community members to learn more about rental properties in Syracuse. The interactive map allows users to search by address or neighborhood to discover a property’s status on the City’s Rental Registry and Certificate of Compliance programs. It also provides information on code violations, if a property has been declared unfit, and other property information.
“Look Before You Rent is a community asset and especially useful for renters, property owners, housing-focused agencies, real estate agents and prospective buyers,” said Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, who initiated and worked with the multi-disciplinary city team in developing the new tool. “We saw a direct need for city residents to easily search to determine open code violations as well as status on the City’s rental certificate programs. We used in-house data and staff to develop and launch the tool. Now, we are excited to spread the word and help the community use it.”
The webinars will take place on Tuesday, June 10 from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. and Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Staff members from the Departments of Neighborhood and Business Development and Analytics, Performance & Innovation will show attendees how to access and use the tool. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback.
Registration is required to participate. To learn more and register, visit goto.syr.gov/lbyr-webinars. For step-by-step instructions and to use the tool, visit syr.gov/look-before-you-rent.
For media inquiries, members of the press should contact the Office of Communications by emailing press@syr.gov.