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Rental Housing Inspection Program

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1. Why is the program necessary?

The Rental Housing Inspection program is designed to proactively identify blighted, deteriorated and substandard rental housing stock and to ensure the rehabilitation or elimination of such housing that does not meet minimum standards. These standards address not only life, health and safety issues but also the results of deferred or inadequate maintenance.

2. What defines a property as being a rental property?

Rental property includes single-family dwellings, duplexes, apartments, town homes and condominiums that have between 1 and 4 units which are leased, rented or occupied by a person or persons other than the owner.

3. Who is responsible for registering the property?

The property owner is responsible for completing the registration process.

4. Is there a fee charged for registration and inspection?

Yes, there is both a registration fee and an inspection fee. The registration fee is paid annually and is consistent for all types of properties. The inspection fee is also paid annually, but varies as to the number of buildings and number of units

5. How often will a rental unit need to be inspected?

Inspections will be conducted every 2 years.

6. How will the order of inspection be determined?

The city is divided into a number of districts. One district will be completed before moving on to the next. The date of the mailing of your registration packet will become the anniversary date by which future mailings and inspections will come due.

7. Where do I submit my application and payment?

You have 15 days from receipt of your notice to complete and return your application and payment either by mail or in person to: City Hall, Rental Housing Inspection Program, 301 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 127, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. Make checks or money orders payable to The City of Daytona Beach. Do not send cash in the mail.

8. When will inspections be done?

Inspections will be performed Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. by appointment only.

9. Is the property owner required to be present during the inspection?

Yes, the property owner or their designated representative must be present during inspections. It is the responsibility of the property owner to inform the tenants of impending inspections and to provide access.

10. Will tenants be allowed to attend the inspections?

Yes, both tenants and the property owners are encouraged to be present during the inspections. Informational exchanges are critical to the success of the program.

11. Will the property owner receive documentation of the inspection results?

Yes, the property owner or agent will be furnished a copy of the inspection report. Additionally, a “Certificate of Compliance” will be sent once all items have either been approved or corrected.

12. Will additional fees be required if repairs are determined during the inspection?

There is no charge for the initial inspection or the first (2) correction inspections at each site. If the inspector has to return to a site beyond that, additional inspections are $100 each and must be prepaid prior to the re-inspection date.

13. How much time will be given to the property owner or agent to make corrections found to be unsatisfactory during the inspection?

The property owner or agent will be given adequate time to correct violations noted. The time allotted for correction will be at the inspector’s discretion, based on the nature and severity of the violation.

14. Who performs the inspections?

The City of Daytona Beach Residential Rental Housing Inspector will perform all required residential rental inspections.

15. How can I schedule an inspection?

Once the application is received and fees are paid, the property owner or registered agent will be contacted to set up the inspection. The inspection will be done by appointment only.

16. How long does an inspection take?

Each inspection will vary according to the individual property, however, one should set aside a minimum of one hour for a single family residence and an additional half hour for each additional unit to be inspected. This is only an average.

17. What preparations should be made involving animals prior to inspections?

All pets should be confined or restrained in such a way as to eliminate any possibility of attack or escape during the inspection process.

18. Does the inspection take place both inside and outside of the residence?

Yes, the Residential Licensing Program requires an inspection of both the interior and exterior of each unit on the property.

19. Will my older building be forced to comply with today’s more stringent construction codes?

No, your building is required to be maintained at a level consistent with the codes of the period in which it was constructed; however, any construction improvements must comply with the current codes as adopted by the State of Florida and the City of Daytona Beach.

20. Do all units require smoke detectors?

Yes, smoke detectors will be required in each sleeping room, each hallway adjacent to the sleeping rooms and at each floor level.

21. Is the property owner required to obtain permits for minor repair work?

Yes, repair work normally requiring permits will still require permits; however, many items usually noted for repairs are exempt from permits.

22. Does it matter who does the actual repairs?

Yes, normal, routine building maintenance and repair is typically exempt from permits, however, if you have any questions please contact the Permits and Licensing Department at 386-671-8146 for clarification.

23. What if the property owner ignores their required participation in the program?

The program is an approved part of the City of Daytona Beach's Code of Ordinances which provides for adequate penalties for noncompliance. Individuals who fail to file an application with the City of Daytona Beach will be subject to a hearing with the Special Magistrate. This is a mandatory program for all rental properties.