Fill-in-the-Blank Rental Inspection Policy Generator

Start Developing your proactive rental inspection policy

Now that you’ve done the foundational work, you’re ready to use our Fill-in-the-Blank Policy Generator to outline a proactive rental inspection policy that your local government can help you turn into local law.

Program Design

Which units are inspected?
  • All units
  • All Units built before 1978
  • Exemptions - any exemptions must be clearly justified in the text of the law
    • None
    • Other ______________________
  • How many units will this policy cover? ___________________________________________
What do they look for?
  • All lead hazards
  • Lead paint only
  • Other housing hazards
  • Lead Testing
    • Risk assessment
    • Collect + analyze samples
    • Visual + dust wipe clearance
What do you do if there is a lead hazard?
  • Full abatement
  • Interim Controls
  • Require lead safe work practices
  • Require dust clearance
How often are the inspections? ___________________________________________
Who does the inspection?
  • City
  • Third party
  • Both

Implementation, Accountability, and Enforcement

Legal foundation for the inspection program
    • All housing built before 1978 is presumed to contain lead paint
    • Lead hazards are a nuisance and are prohibited
    • City has right of entry with permission or administrative warrant
Require inspection as a condition of renting
  • Certificate of Occupancy
  • Certificate of Compliance
  • Rental License
  • Lead-safe or Lead free certificate
  • Charge for certificate/license
Rental registration
    • Fee _______________________
    • Frequency __________________
  • Public online mapping system
Adequate staffing and technology to support the program
    • Number of inspectors (City/Third Party) ______________
    • Strategy to hire from community ___________________
    • Administrator support and technology _______________
Enforcement mechanisms
  • Escalating administrative fines
  • Tenants can sue for landlord noncompliance
  • No eviction if landlord has code violation
  • Nonprofits can help tenants sue
  • Lead court
Tenant protections
  • Prohibit retaliation
  • Evaluate for unintended consequences of policy
  • Provide alternate housing if tenants must vacate for repairs
Periodic reporting
  • City reports of inspections, elevated blood lead levels
  • Reports of third party inspections
  • Develop metrics for effectiveness
Public oversight mechanisms
  • Advisory Committee
  • Auditor
Funding to help landlords afford repairs
Other __________________________________________________________________