Every landlord has to have their property inspected by city inspectors before they’re allowed to rent. No, this isn’t required if you rent to immediate family, but for everyone else, yes. It is a step that must be done as the point is to ‘maintain quality, stability, safety, and sanitation of rentals.’
Now it may feel like no matter what you do they are sure to find something. This may be true, but you can still get a head start. The International Property Maintenance Code for 2015 can be found here and details everything the city inspector will look for when they visit your property. It includes electrical, plumbing, structural, landscaping, and everything else imaginable.
You will find that many of the details listed make sense and you probably thought of them. Here are some that are a bit more surprising-
Must have a p-trap under the sink for plumbing. S-traps and variations of bag traps are found in many older homes and are illegal.
Recycling and garbage are not allowed to build up around the bins. If you have this problem either get a larger bin or have the garbage picked up more frequently. Bins are also not allowed to sit on the curb on days other than collection day.
The premises must be graded and sufficiently drained. Standing water is not allowed.
Trees will be checked for joint fatigue.
Noxious weeds are not allowed.
When the city inspector arrives, someone does need to be present as they inspect the property. They will point out and give you a list of what needs to be fixed before they will give you the inspection license. If there are fixes you don’t understand ask for clarification.
Once you make the repairs and have your license, don’t get too comfortable. The city inspector will show up again on occasion. Inspect your property periodically so nothing builds up and you know what general state it’s in. Then, when they call to let you know they’ll be stopping by again, you won’t be stressed as you’ve kept everything under control in the meantime.
