RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION CHECKLIST

After the owner or agent returns the completed application with the required fee, the department sends a letter requesting that the responsible person contact the Housing Inspector to arrange an appointment for inspection of the unit.

The inspector looks for the following:

• Water Heater-Check to ensure temperature and pressure relief valve is piped down to the floor not more than 6 inches above floor level or piped into sump pump pit or other approved termination
• Washer/Dryer-If provided check the hookups and turn them on a short cycle to ensure there are no leaks and they are in working order. The dryer should be vented to the exterior or as per manufacturer's instructions.
• Electrical Panel Box-Check for triped breakers, missing spacers or breakers providing access to the interior buss bar. A minimum clear space (30 x 30 inches) must be left open leading up to the electrical panel.
• Furnace-Forced air, heat pump or other forced air type unit, check for filter, if visible, and cleanliness; if gas fired, check condition of flue pipe for holes, rust, tightness of connection, clearace to combustible materials usually 18 inches ona single wall flue.
• Hot Water Boiler-May provide domestic hot water in addition to heat, boiler circulates hot water through a system of pipes and radiators and baseboard heating units. Look for temperature and pressure relief valve; it must be piped down to within 6-8 inches of floor level.
• Rooms on all Floors-Check perimeter of room (floors/ceilings) for water damage, i.e. stains or suspected mold, check electrical outlets and test random outlets; check for painted over outlets.
• Basement-Check for egress window in basement if there is a bedroom in the basement. Check that toilets flush, water runs in bathroom lavatories, hot water at the faucet; check under the vanity cabinet for any water leaks or signs of previous water leaks; mechanical exhaust fans must be vented to the exterior.
• Bathroom/Powder Room-Check for ventilation fan or openable window, check bathtub/show tiles for loose tiles and proper caulking at wall and tub as well as where the tub meets the floor. Check floors to ensure they are impervious to water and have no loose tiles.
• All Rooms-Check to ensure that all switch plates and duplex outlet covers are installed; check for open )exposedwires) electrical junction boxes; check for holes in walls, floors and ceilings
• Windows-Check windows to ensure locks are on all first floor windows (with a sill height of 6 feet from ground) and windows function properly; ensure window screens are in place and free of holes
• Sprinklers-If the house has a sprinkler system (for fire suppression) check sprinkler heads for clearance requirements and ensure tht no heads are painted or damaged. A sprinkler report for multi family dwellings myst be available. If a residential sprinkler system in a single family dwelling a sprinkler report may not be available.
• Kirchen-Run water in sink and check for leaks under the sink; check garbage disposal for operation and proper electrical connection; check inside stove to ensure it is clean and sanitary; turn on stove and burners to ensure they are in working order; look inside to ensure dishwasher is clean and sanitary; turn on dishwasher to ensure it is working properly; look inside cabinet doors for signs of roach infestation and ensure they are clean and sanitary; look inside refrigerator (if provided) for clean sanitary condition free of odors.
• Fireplaces-Check for conidtion; if used recommend chimney cleaning to landlord
• Exterior-Check to ensure that gutter and downspouts are not crushed or clogged and are free of overhanging branches; look for plant/weed growth as a sign of clogged gutter; splash blocks should be in place at the termination of the downspout; look for green discoloration on siding which is a sign that gutters and downspouts are not functional; look for large areas of moss growth near foundation wall; look for areas when topsoil is missing exposing stones/pebbles; ensure that globes are on all exterior light fixtures (all exit doors require a light); ensure that there are no holes in the exterior that would allow nuisance animals entry; check especially at roof line (soffit and fascia); visually look at roof covering for signs of deterioration (note any clawing shingles or missing shingles); check fences and/or gates to ensure they are structurally sound and hardware is in place on all gates; ensure that sliding doors work properly and screen slider is secure; check to ensure deck has proper railings and is structurally sound; check sidewalks/steps for tripping hazards