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1. What fees are involved with the rental inspection program?

There are no fees associated with the initial or first re-inspection. A re-inspection fee of $100.00 will be charged on the second re-inspection and subsequent inspections if required, to ensure compliance.

2. What is the frequency of inspection for a rental unit in the rental inspection program?

The inspection will be conducted every four years based on the expiration date of the certificate of compliance. However, properties that have no or limited numbers of minor violations that do not affect the safe, sanitary, or decent living conditions on an initial or periodic inspection will be issued a four year certificate of compliance (exemption from inspection). The only way that you can lose your exemption is by having a violation cited of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code during the four year exemption period or if you fail to correct cited minor violations in the time period provided after an initial or periodic inspection.

3. What happens if a rental unit loses the four year exemption from the rental inspection program?

The property reverts back to an annual inspection status. An exemption can again be achieved by receiving a passing grade on the next or future periodic inspection.

4. What do I do if I sell a rental property in one of the rental inspection program districts?

If you sell a rental to another person, the new owner is to notify the Building Inspections Office within 30 days of the sale. It would be helpful if the previous owner would give us call to let us know that they no longer own the unit.

5. What happens to a rental property owner if they fail to notify the city about their property?

If the property is located in one of the rental inspection program districts, owners that fail to comply with notification requirements could be subject to a $50.00 penalty. The city may also initiate other court proceedings to insure compliance with the program. However, we realize that some people that may purchase or convert future units may not be aware of the program. In these cases, we would provide notice to the owner giving them thirty days to properly notify us of their rental unit.