Rental Housing Inspection Checklist

To get a head start, use this checklist prior to your scheduled inspection. It may help you to avoid potentially costly re-inspection fees. Please note that this list is not intended to include every possible violation of the housing code, but it does contain violations that are most commonly found during routine inspections.

Outside

• Are the street numbers visible from the street and alley (3 inches high minimum)?
  
• Is the siding and paint in good condition?
  
• Is the garage, and any other accessory structure such as a shed, in good condition?
  
• Does the roof leak?
  
• Are the steps (uniform riser height and tread), decks, and landings in good condition?
  
• Do stairs with four or more risers have a handrail?  Is the handrail in good condition?
• Do any balconies, porches, or landings 30 inches or more above grade have guardrails?
  
• Are any fences in good repair?
  
• Are the sidewalks in safe and sound condition?
  
• Are the gutters and/or downspouts in a good state of repair and directing rainwater away from the structure?
  
• Is the foundation in good repair?
• Is the yard free of junk, trash, or debris?
  
• Are all exterior outlets GFCI protected with an approved cover?
  
  
  
  

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSING UNIT

• Are smoke detectors located within 15 feet of each sleeping area and on every floor level of the structure? 
  
• In multi-family dwellings, are detectors also located every 30 feet in common corridors and at the top of each interior stairway?
  
• Is there at least 1 fully charged, properly mounted extinguisher in each dwelling unit not served by a common corridor or, for those structures with common corridors, one 2A10BC extinguisher within 75 feet of each dwelling unit?
  
• Are all combustible materials stored at least 3 feet away from sources of ignition?
  
• Have all paint and gas cans, solvents, fuels, boat motors, or other hazardous materials and items been removed from the heated portion of the dwelling?
  

• Do the exterior doors have locks in working order?
  
• Are the exterior doors weather tight?
  
• Are any storm or screen doors in good condition?
  
• Are the doors in good working order?
  

• Are there any broken or badly cracked windows?
  
• Are the windows weather tight and in good working condition (capable of remaining open without a means of support)?
  
• Do the windows have locks in good working order?
  
• Do the required openable windows have screens without rips, tears or holes?
  
• Does every habitable room have the required amount of openable windows?
  

• Are the walls and ceilings properly sealed, free from peeling paint and capable of being maintained in a sanitary condition?
  
• Is the carpet ripped or torn, or otherwise causing a tripping hazard?
  
• Are the floors structurally sound?
  
• Do all habitable rooms have ceilings at least 7 feet in height?
  

• Does every habitable room have at least a switched light fixture and 2 duplex outlets or 1 switched duplex outlet plus another duplex outlet? Are the outlets located apart from each other in order to reduce the need for use of extension cords?
  
• Are all cover plates for outlets, switches and junction boxes in place?
  
• Are all switches, outlets and electrical fixtures in good working order?
  
• Are their any extensions cords running through doorways, or under carpets? This is not allowed.
  
• Are all outlets within 3 feet of a water source of the ground fault design?
  
• Is there adequate circuitry for the unit and is each fuse rated properly for its gauge of wiring.
  

• Does each room including bathrooms have adequate heat?  The criteria is 68 degrees measured at a distance of 3 feet above the floor.
  
• Does the heating system operate properly?
  
• At the time of each regular rental inspection, every furnace, boiler, etc. must be checked by a licensed mechanical contractor or certified service technician.  If the heating system is less than 2 years old and proper documentation is provided, no heating inspection is necessary.
  The contractor or technician must complete the Status Report of Heating System form enclosed.
  
• Does the water heater have a temperature pressure relief valve with an extension pipe that extends to within 3-6 inches of the floor?
  
• Are all combustion gases vented to the outside?
  
• Are there any fuel burning devices located in bathrooms or sleeping areas? This is not permitted.
  

• Do plumbing fixtures have adequate water pressure and do they operate properly?
  
• Do any supply or drain lines leak?
  
• Do all fixtures have proper traps to prevent the infiltration of harmful sewer gases?
  

• Are the steps and handrails in good repair? Is there an open side of the stairs? If so, it needs a guardrail.  Handrails are required on all stairs with 4 or more risers.
  
• In order to be used as a sleeping area, the space must meet the requirements for finished walls and ceilings, ventilations, ceiling height, heating and egress. Escape windows must have a minimum net area of 5.7 square feet with a minimum net clear open able height of 24” and width of 20”.
  
• Do clean-out opening and floor drains have proper covers?
  
• Is there a switched ceiling or wall-type light fixture?
  

• Are there separate outlets for the stove and refrigerator in addition to 2 duplex outlets?
  
• Is there a switched ceiling or wall-type light fixture?
  
• Are any electric outlets within 3 feet of water of the ground fault design?
  
• If supplied, is the garbage disposal in operable condition? If not, it must be repaired, replaced or removed.
  
• Is the floor able to be easily kept in a clean, dry condition?
  
• If supplied, are the refrigerator, stove or microwave maintained in safe working condition?
  

• Is there a switched ceiling or wall-type light fixture?
  
• If there is a lavatory in the bathroom, is there a least 1 single convenience ground fault electrical outlet?
  
• Are any outlets within 3 feet of water of the ground fault design?
  
• Are all the of bathroom fixtures working properly?
  
• Is the floor able to be easily kept in a clean, dry, condition?
  
• Is there an open able window or adequate mechanical ventilation?
  

• Are passageways and stairways in buildings with 5 or more units adequately lighted at all times?