Non-essential offices will be closed Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, September 3.
The most common violations that our inspectors find when performing rental housing inspections are listed below. Although it isn't a comprehensive list of potential violations, it's a good place to start when preparing for an inspection. If you have an upcoming renewal inspection, you should visit the property well in advance to see if any issues need to be addressed.
There is no arguing that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have saved countless lives. Especially given they are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. Requirements are as follows:
Smoke detectors are required in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area (in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms), and at least one on each story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. (Exception: Smoke alarms in existing buildings constructed before 11/6/1974 must have one in each sleeping room or immediate vicinity of each sleeping room and one on each floor level, including the basement.) (Note: All rental units have been cited to comply with the more stringent requirements due to ease of installation and low cost).
Combination smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detectors are permitted as along as all the requirements are met. All installed products must be UL approved for the use intended and installed per manufacturer's instructions
Three prong outlets, if not grounded properly, will be cited with an Open Ground Violation. This presents a hazard to persons and electronic equipment which may be remedied (or identified to users) by one of the following:
A handrail is a graspable support located on one or both sides of a stairway.
Handrails are required on every exterior and interior flight of stairs having more than four risers. Handrails must be installed so that the distance from the nose of the stairs to the handrail is consistent for the run of the stairs and is installed between 34 and 38 inches high. Handrails must return to the wall or newel post.
Existing handrails installed at a reasonable height may remain until replacement is necessary. The space between the handrail and the wall may not be smaller than 1.5 inches.
The handrail must be easily grasped. Circular handrails must have a diameter between 1.25 and 2 inches. If the handrail is not circular, a variety of types are available, but must be graspable or have finger recess areas on both sides. Final determination will be by the Building Official.