I have to admit, having lived my adult life in rural America and owning my own home for over 30 years, I haven't had to deal rental inspection programs. While I was researching these programs, I realized they may be just the tip of a truly large iceberg.

Rental Inspection Programs

Rental Inspection Programs are local ordinances that allow government inspectors access to private property in order to insure that local codes regarding rental units are met. Since these programs are created at the local level, they are not all the same. While my research has been somewhat brief, they do generally have several things in common.

First, these inspections cover not only the public and mechanical areas (water, heating, air conditioning, etc.), but the rented units as well. Access to the rental units usually requires that the owner notify the tenant of an upcoming inspection before hand. Second, the inspection is supposed to be for compliance with building codes related to the safety and quality of the living conditions. So far, most people would probably not see a problem. Then again, there is the question of the Fourth Amendment.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,