(A) The inspection of rental units shall either be by consent or pursuant to an administrative warrant. If the appropriate consent has not been given to enter or inspect a rental unit, no entry or inspection shall be made without the procurement of a warrant. The Court may consider any of the following factors, along with any other matters that it deems relevant, in its decision as to whether a warrant shall issue:
(1) Eyewitness account of violation;
(2) Citizen complaints;
(3) Tenant complaints;
(4) Plain view violations;
(5) Violations apparent from city records;
(6) Property deterioration;
(7) Age of property;
(8) Nature of alleged violation; and
(9) Conditions of similar properties in the area.
(B) Commencing on June 18, 2018, all rental units shall be inspected at least once every five years either by the city or through self inspection. Notice of the date of inspection shall be mailed to the landlord and tenant 15 business days prior to the date of inspection. It is the responsibility of the landlord to confirm with the tenant of the inspection date and time.
(C) All complaints shall be filed with the Housing Coordinator. If a complaint is received regarding a rental unit, the city may inspect the premises regardless of the normal inspection schedule. The complainant must have direct knowledge of said violation stating facts and corroborating evidence and provide their name, address, and telephone in order for the complaint to be valid.
(D) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the city from inspecting any rental unit more frequently than every five years.
(E) Access is required for each rental unit at the scheduled time of inspection or re-inspection. If the Inspector is unable to access the rental unit at the time of inspection, he or she may assess the landlord or his/her agent a $25 missed inspection fee.
(1990 Code, § 6-420) (Ord. 98-1875, passed 12-21-1998; Ord. 18-3567, passed 6-18-2018)