Knowledge Base

Under Roanoke City Code, Chapter 7, Article III, City Council finds that within certain residential housing areas within the city, designated as rental inspection districts, there is a need to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the units. Such residential rental dwelling units are either: 1) blighted or in the process of deteriorating; or 2) in need of inspection by the city to prevent deterioration, taking into account the number, age and condition of the residential dwelling rental units; and that the inspection of the units is necessary to maintain safe, decent and sanitary living conditions for tenants and other residents living in the rental inspection districts.

Within the City there are six rental inspection districts:

1. Southwest Rental Inspection District
2. Northwest Rental Inspection District
3. Southeast Rental Inspection District
4. Westside Boulevard Rental Inspection District
5. Tinker Drive, NE, Rental Inspection District
6. Williamson Road, NE, Rental Inspection District

The Code requires that owners of residential rental dwelling units in rental inspection districts disclose to the City certain information about the properties by completing the “Residential Rental Property Identification Form”. Failure of an owner to properly give notice of the existence of any residential rental dwelling unit located in a designated rental inspection district may result in a civil penalty of $50.00.  The units are then inspected by Code Enforcement to ensure compliance with the Building Code and promote safe, decent, and sanitary housing. There is a $25.00 fee for an initial inspection of a residential rental dwelling unit.  If follow-up inspections are needed, there is a fee of $50.00 for each additional inspection.

When the Inspector visits the property, he/she will inspect it for all building code violations, take pictures, and complete a “Building Maintenance Code Violation Inspection Report” documenting the issues with the exterior and/or interior of the structure. Should there be any findings of violations, the Inspector will mail a “Violation Notice” to the property owner within one to two days of the original inspection indicating the date by which all violations must be corrected, and the consequences if the owner does not comply.  Copies of the appropriate sections of the State and City Codes as well as the “Violation Inspection Report” identifying the required corrections are included with the notice.

If the Inspector deems that the structure is unsafe, he/she will take a picture of the property and post a bright yellow notice to the front door that says “This Structure is Unfit for Habitation”.  A dwelling without heat, water, or lights is subject to immediate condemnation. The Inspector will also attach a bright orange notice on the house that reads “Notification to Public This Building is Structurally Unsound”, sign and date it and note the address.  In addition to posting the notice on the structure, the Inspector will also mail a “Notice of Unsafe Structure” to the property owner within one to two days of the original inspection indicating the date by which all violations must be corrected or by which the building must be demolished and the consequences if the owner does not comply.

If the dwelling is condemned but has a valid rental certificate, the tenant will have 48 hours to vacate the property.  If the dwelling does not have a valid rental certificate, the tenant must vacate the property within 24 hours.

Upon the initial or periodic inspection of a residential rental dwelling unit in a rental inspection district, if there are no violations of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, the owner of the property will be issued a four year Certificate of Exemption (Rental Certificate) from inspection.  In no event does the issuance of a certificate of exemption (rental certificate) serve to exempt the owner, managing agent, or tenant from compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, and ordinances, including the building code.