Prior to visiting a site, staff shall review the previous year's inspection documentation and notes in preparation of this year's visit. Specific units that must be examined again should be identified, as should units that can be avoided given they were already inspected in previous years.
The Building inspection team will arrive promptly at the scheduled inspection time to undertake the following tasks before considering the inspection complete. If circumstances dictate, the review may be completed at a later agreed-upon time and date.
Introduction to Property Management & Maintenance Personnel
- Ask if there are any problems in the building or units that need to be inspected due to past issues (Hoarding, repairs, other issues)
- Inquire about any logs maintained for fire apparatus, smoke alarms, co alarms, fire extinguishers, exit lights fire doors, and other maintenance concerns.
Inspect Entryways & Hallways for Safety
Test emergency lights, and fire doors, check for clear paths in the hallways, ensure steps are safe, no loose hand railings, windows/wall/ceilings needing crack repair, signs of water damage, proper lighting is installed and no sconces burned out or broken, flooring did not wear out, torn, uneven, or a tripping hazard.
Inspect Laundry Rooms
Test CO alarms, test fire alarms, ensure proper vent connections are in place, check gas connection(s), check electrical connection(s), and look for buildup of dryer vent lint or buildup of materials behind laundry units.
Inspect Mechanical Rooms
Check all water and gas connections, look for water and gas leaks, check ceilings and walls for any damage or water leaks, ensure proper venting is in place, check boilers, check furnaces for rust, specifically check furnace venting and gas connection, test CO2 alarm(s) and smoke alarm(s), and check for storage items in the room (not allowed).
Inspect other Common Areas - Ensure safety measures are met within maintenance rooms, game rooms, storage rooms, garbage rooms, dayrooms, etc.
Inspect Units
Inspect Units, typically 10% to 15% of the total unit count. Unit inspections to include examination of:
- Security (throughout): entry door, locks, unauthorized locks, patio doors operational, screens OK, windows operational and not cracked, etc.
- Safety (throughout): Smoke and CO alarms all operational, no plumbing leaks, no gas leaks, no exposed electrical, decks and balconies safe, etc.
- Bathrooms: toilet operational, sink works, shower walls condition, no floor or ceiling issues, no plumbing leaks, GFI outlet(s) work, no mold, etc.
- Kitchen: kitchen cleanliness, oven/stove operational, sink works, etc
- Bedroom(s): COs and smoke alarms tested, ensure proper egress, check doors, windows, screens,
- Housekeeping / Unit Appearance: Cleanliness of the unit, unusual smells, damage to walls or ceilings, other housekeeping concerns (i.e. open garbage, signs of rodents, rats, mice, cockroaches, or other pests), etc.
- Problem units may be examined on a yearly basis, otherwise, staff should document which units are inspected in any given year so other units are examined in subsequent years.
Inspect Building Exterior
Check building siding, soffits, trim, windows, and doors for needed repairs.
Inspect Parking Lots & Garages
Inspect Parking Lots and Garages are all being properly maintained
Inspect Outside Common Areas
Ensure all such areas are free from garbage, junk, or other zoning infractions.
Talk with Renters
Talk with Renters to see if they have any concerns.
If possible, staff should walk the property with management and maintenance personnel to point out specific items that will be called out in a future violation letter. Discuss the timeframe that will be provided to implement a fix, and identify any interim safety measures that must be put in place prior to a fix occurring.
Upon completing an inspection, staff shall document the results and send a compliance/non-compliance report.