More than 500 homes are vacant in South Bend, and city leaders say some of those properties create problems for the whole city.

Monday night, the South Bend common council passed a bill, which they say will help them get problem properties under control.

Under the new ordinance, vacant homes will have to be registered with the city, and carry liability insurance

They must be boarded up according to specific guidelines, and have a manager, within 50 miles who can be reached 24-7.

Council member Charlotte Pfeifer, introduced the bill, and says the goal is to punish those who are not taking care of their property, while leaving responsible property owners and landloards be.

”This is for the people. This is for the neighbors. Any good realtor, and any just honest landlord has nothing to worry about,” Pfeifer says.

The ordinance passed 8-0.