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.

Download PDF Reference the Policy Cheat Sheet Reference Research and Examples

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 __________________________________________________________________