Did you know the City of North Richland Hills has a program in place to ensure that rental homes in our community meet minimum building and safety codes? The rental home inspection program, which is in its 10th year, includes all homes, duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes and townhomes that are rented or leased for use as a residence. The intent of the program is to prevent or eliminate substandard or deteriorating rental housing and preserve residential properties, property values, and neighborhoods.
Property owners must have their rental units successfully pass an interior and exterior inspection before a tenant can move in or have the water utilities transferred to their name. The inspection checks for unsafe structural elements, electrical hazards, security devices and more. This is similar to getting a new home privately inspected before buying it.
Once a unit is ready for occupancy, the landlord must apply for a Single Family Rental Permit and inspection at www.nrhtx.com/eportal. In most cases, the inspection may be scheduled for the following business 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. If any deficiencies are found during an inspection, the landlord must correct the deficiencies and request a new inspection.
Most landlords are responsible in maintaining their rental properties in great condition. We appreciate their efforts to help keep our neighborhoods safe and attractive.
For more information about this program, please visit www.nrhtx.com/rentalinspection, call 817-427-6300 or email nrhpi@nrhtx.com.