What is the purpose of the Rental Housing inspection program?

• Pass: The building was found to have no life-safety concerns and few, if any, minor problems.
• Fail: The building has at least one life-safety concern and/or several minor violations.

Do I need a "Certificate of Inspection "?
Yes. It shall be unlawful for any owner of rental property, covered by this program, to occupy, rent or lease any building or unit without a "Certificate of Inspection" issued by the department of Community Development.

 What is the cost of inspections and reinspections?
The initial inspection is included with the registration fee. Follow-up inspections, needed only when problems have been identified, will be charged $100 per appointment.

What happens if a tenant or owner refuses an inspection?
An "Administrative Search Warrant" will be requested from the courts and the inspector will return with the warrant to make the inspection.

How soon, prior to an inspection, will I be notified?
Owners/agents will be notified a minimum of 15 days prior to the inspection. If there is a time conflict owners will have 2 days from receiving the notification letter to call and reschedule. The maximum extension shall be ten (10) days.

What do inspectors look for during their inspections?
Inspectors will be enforcing the International Property Maintenance Code as well as the Fire Code and other applicable City Ordinances (copies of all codes can be viewed at the City Clerks office). Items will include, but not limited to, exterior and interior building maintenance, electrical, plumbing, heating/ventilation, debris, zoning, improper vehicles on premises, life safety codes such as exiting, emergency lighting and fire protection.

How long will I have to fix the repairs?
This will depend on the extent and seriousness of the violation. Some items can be repaired in 2 weeks. Others will need more time for bids and scheduling. Inspectors are familiar with various time tables and are willing to work with landlords on time frames to complete repairs.

What happens if violations are not corrected on time?
If the violations are not corrected by the reinspection date a court appearance will be required. You may be assessed court costs in addition to fines.

How do I appeal if I disagree with a violation?
Your appeal will be considered during your court appearance. An appeal should be based on a claim that the intent of the code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provision of the code does not apply, or the requirements of the code are adequately satisfied by other means.

Who will explain to the tenants why the inspection is being conducted?
The property owner shall notify tenants of the inspection and secure tenants permission for access. If tenants have any questions they should call 434-2226.

Do I need to be present at the time of inspection?
Yes, it is the responsibility of the owner or their designated agent to be present at the building on the date and time of the inspection. There is a missed inspection fee of $75.

• Must keep the rental unit fit to live in and be in full compliance with state and local health and housing codes.
• Must make all necessary repairs in a timely and workmanlike manner.
• May set the amount of rent and security deposit.
• May charge a reasonable fee for late rent payments.
• May make reasonable rules and regulations.

• Provide tenants with a written lease.
• Provide your contact information to the tenant so they can address problems with you first.
• Screen your tenants before putting them into your property. Run a background check, check with the County Court for previous evictions, and ask for references.
• Do not purchase more property than you can handle. More often than not, more property does not mean more profits.
• Take time to become familiar with applicable City codes and ordinances. A non-comprehensive rental property checklist can be found at - https://www.cityblm.org/home/showdocument?id=224
• Know the law in regard to evicting your tenants. If you have any doubts, contact a lawyer for legal advice.
• Make sure your tenants know who is responsible for maintaining the yard. If the City must issue a work order, the property owner will be held responsible for the costs incurred.

• Who is responsible for the violation?

• The property owner is ultimately responsible for maintaining property in compliance with the Codes, with few exceptions.
• Citations can be issued to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.

• Do NOT use plastic bags for garbage disposal.
• Use city issued refuse containers.
• Cans should be placed within 3 feet of the curb or alley line.
• Do NOT set refuse containers out before 2:00 pm the day prior to pick-up. Retrieve refuse containers within 24 hours after trash pick-up. Containers must be stored as to not be visible from public Right of Way.

• Grass and weeds must not exceed eight inches in height.

The City code define weeds as “Weeds means all noxious vegetation and all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs which exceed a height or length of eight inches; provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.” Fines may be issued, or grass/weed may be cut at the owner’s expense. Part of being a good neighbor is keeping your lawn cut and maintained.

As a Property Owner, you need to communicate clearly with your Occupant/Tenant in regard to the yard maintenance responsibilities. Grass and weeds cannot exceed eight inches in height.

• Scrub brush/weeds should be cut all along the property, including the parkway, alley way and along the fence line.
• Clean up all rubbish, tree limbs, and debris from your property.
• Clean up all litter on your property.

Opportunities to become involved with neighborhood residents:

• Neighborhood Watch
• Business Watch
• Night Out Against Crime
• Great American Clean Up
• Youth Programs

• Follow City Ordinances

Tenants should obey all laws and ordinances regarding housing, building, health, or safety codes which affect tenant health and safety.

• Be a Responsible Tenant

Follow the conditions of your lease or agreement.

• Report Problems to Your Landlord

If you notice a problem with the property, let the landlord know so they can determine how to fix the problem. Work with them to allow access to your unit so any problems that occur can be corrected.

• Be a Responsible Neighbor

Respect the neighborhood that you live in by keeping your yard clean, disposing of trash properly, and not creating noise violations.

• It is always best to have a clear understanding of what is expected of you. Get everything in writing and sign a lease with your landlord so there will be no surprises.
• If you see major violations with the unit, have the landlord fix them prior to occupancy.
• Keep detailed records of all contact with your landlord.
• Make sure you know what utilities you are responsible to pay and that it is clearly stated in your lease.
• Verify with the landlord who is responsible for yard work. Having a yard means you will need to have a means to keep the grass cut, pick up limbs and brush, and maintain the premise free of litter.
• Take time to become familiar with applicable City codes and ordinances.
• If the landlord refuses to fix code violations, contact the Community Enhancement Division at 309-434-2244. The landlord is not allowed to retaliate against you for reporting a code violation to our office.

• Join your neighborhood association.
• Get involved with your community.
• Keep your yard mowed and clean.
• Respect your neighbors.
• Clean up after your pets.
• Report suspicious behavior.

• Visit Prairie State Legal Services at http://www.pslegal.org/ or call (309) 827-5021

Prairie State Legal Renters Handbook