Single-Family Rental Inspection Program

Rental Program Effective April 1, 2012



As of April 1, 2012, all single-family rentals must be inspected before they can be occupied by a tenant.

What is considered a single-family rental unit?


A single-family rental unit is any living unit within an attached or detached one-family dwelling, duplex, tri-plex, four-plex or townhome that is rented or leased for use as a residence by a single family, individual or group of individuals.

Property owners must have their rental units successfully pass an interior/exterior inspection of a Single Family Rental permit before a tenant can be authorized to move into a rental unit or have the water utilities transferred to the new tenant’s name. Rental properties are expected to meet the minimum maintenance standards set forth in the City’s Code of Ordinances.

Once the unit is ready for occupancy, the landlord must apply for a Single Family Rental permit at www.nrhtx.com/eportal.  Once the permit is approved the single family rental inspection can be requested online. In most cases, the inspection may be scheduled for the following business day when the permit is submitted prior to 4:00 PM of the previous day.  

There is no fee for the inspection.  However, if a rental unit is occupied or belongings have been moved in prior to the inspection, a $100 administrative fee may be assessed to the property owner to defray the expense to the City for inspecting an occupied unit. The fee must be paid before the inspector can conduct a new inspection.  Although it isn't preferred, units with out-going tenants are eligible to be inspected prior to moving out as long as the tenants are present during the inspection.  Landlords are encouraged to pre-inspect these units for damage, missing safety devices, and possible infestations. 

If no deficiencies are recorded during inspection of an unoccupied property, the future tenant can call the water department at 817-427-6200 to apply for water service. 

When deficiencies are recorded, the landlord must correct the deficiencies and request a new inspection. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LANDLORD TO REQUEST A NEW INSPECTION WHEN ALL VIOLATIONS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. A fee may be charged if there has not been a good faith attempt to correct all of the problems with the unit.

In cases where the deficiencies are found to be minor and do not affect the safety of the occupants, the landlord may request a temporary occupancy for a limited number of days while repairs are being completed. If granted, pending repairs must be completed and inspected by the expiration date. The landlord must request a new inspection on-line at www.nrhtx.com/eportal. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LANDLORD TO CALL FOR A NEW INSPECTION WHEN ALL VIOLATIONS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED.

 Please note that a Single Family Rental permit may not be issued if the owner of the rental dwelling unit has unpaid fines or liens attached to the property in favor of the City of North Richland Hills. Outstanding liens can be paid at the City of North Richland Hills City Hall. To avoid the inconvenience of postponing occupancy of a rental unit, landlords should resolve all property liens in a timely manner.

If you have additional questions please call 817-427-6300.

Inspection Check List


An inspection check list is available that indicates many of the areas the residential building inspector will be inspecting; including unsafe structural elements, sanitation, unsafe sidewalks/driveways, accessory buildings, pools, hot tubs, spas, infestations, plumbing systems, storm drainage, combustion air, electrical hazards, smoke detectors, mechanical equipment, and security devices. A more detailed inspection checklist is available here:

Single Family Rental Inspection Check List
Single Family Rental Certificate of Occupancy Application (NRH E-Portal)

E-Portal How-to Videos 

​How to Register for an E-Portal Account

Texas Property Code


Property owners and management companies should become familiar with Chapter 92 of the Texas Property Code which mandates security devices and smoke alarm devices in rental property. An information page as well as an informative video and photos are provided at the following links:

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 (Text)
Texas Property Code Chapter 92 (Video)

Security Device Example Photo 1
Security Device Example Photo 2
Security Device Example Photo 3