A. Rental Properties: Regular inspection on all residential rental property, including mobile homes, shall be made once every three (3) years for compliance with the building code, property maintenance code, other applicable codes, and this chapter. In addition to said codes and this chapter, the housing quality standards promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for use in assisted housing programs shall govern to the extent not superseded by more stringent requirements of said codes and this chapter. Inspections of all properties shall also be made at any time upon receipt of a complaint or request by a tenant or owner. Any rental structure receiving two (2) complaints regarding substantiated violations during any twelve (12) month period shall be put on an annual inspection schedule for three (3) years following the last substantiated complaint.
B. Regular Inspections: Inspections shall be made with notice to the owner, or its responsible local agent if any, and occupant at least five (5) days prior to the inspection being made. Inspection shall be made of each rental unit and of all common space or areas under the owner's control.
C. Certificate Of Inspection:
1. No person shall rent, lease or cause to be occupied any rental unit that does not possess a certificate of inspection issued under this code. Any landlord or responsible local agent registering a rental unit for the first time must have a rental inspection completed prior to renting a rental unit and prior to receiving a rental unit permit.
2. After passing inspection, a rental unit governed by this chapter shall be issued a certificate of inspection.
3. The landlord, property manager, or its responsible local agent if any, and occupants of rental units inspected under this chapter shall be furnished with a list of any violations and shall be advised specifically of any violations which may cause an immediate hazard to the health or safety of an occupant, with a specific time limit set for correction of the violations.
4. A certificate of inspection shall in no way signify or imply that the premises for which it is issued is in conformance or compliance with all portions of the City of Waterloo City Code, or the laws of Black Hawk County or the State of Iowa. The City of Waterloo shall maintain no liability in regard to the certificate of compliance.
D. Inspection Fees: All inspection and re-inspection fees shall be paid by the owner or responsible local agent prior to the issuance of a certificate of inspection. Any inspection fee not paid within thirty (30) days shall be deemed a violation of this section. Fees shall be as follows:
1. A re-inspection fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per unit if not in compliance shall be charged for the first re-inspection. A re-inspection fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) per unit shall be charged for the second re-inspection. A re-inspection fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) per unit shall be charged for the third re-inspection.
2. A fee of one hundred ($100.00) shall be charged for all scheduled inspections where an appointment is not kept and the owner, local responsible agent or occupant did not provide notice to cancel the inspection within twenty-four (24) hours of the appointment.
E. Lead Based Paint: Every owner or operator of a dwelling unit or rooming unit being let for rent and/or occupancy shall certify that the dwelling is in accordance with HUD lead based paint regulations, 24 CFR, part 35, issued pursuant to the Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, as amended. (Ord. 5650, 6-20-2022)