NILES, Ohio - Fines mount against an apartment complex as Niles police continue to strictly enforce the city's excessive nuisance ordinance.

Though the it was put on the books in 2008, Police Chief Rob Hinton says his officers stepped up enforcement of the ordinance at the beginning this year.

Hinton hopes it will prompt a change in how property managers review applications from renters.

"They need to do their homework upfront. They need to in the background of the prospective tenant and do a little checking to see where they've lived previously, talk to their landlords," Hinton says.

Over the weekend, three calls were made for officers to respond to Royal Mall Apartments.

The complex has surpassed its limit of excessive calls this year, now on the hook for $3,000 in fines from police for the three incidents.

Complexes of 40 units or more are limited to 28 calls.

The complex's tab is growing, now up to $11,500.

The fines are as follows: $250 for the first nuisance call, $500 for the second call, $750 for the third nuisance call and $1,000 for every call after that during one calendar year.

Hinton says incidents including animal cruelty, disorderly conduct, gambling, alcohol violations, noise complaints and possession of weapons are all considered nuisance calls.

Noise complaints, fights and disturbances top the list for Niles police.

Hinton says he's working with property managers to resolve ongoing issues in his city.

"If they show they're proactive on their end, we will work with them," Hinton says.

The Royal Mall complex is now under new management and has recently evicted some of its tenants according to Hinton. Still, the owner of the complexes, Vesta Properties, plans to appeal the fines it owes and will make its case in front of the Nuisance Abatement board.