The purpose of the Rental Housing inspection program is to maintain the City's rental housing stock through the participation of owners, tenants, the City and the community through periodic building inspections and annual registration. (Please note that this program incorporates the existing program of inspections in response to complaints.)
Below you will find a listing of the common FAQs about the program, as well as:
This report has the current registered rental properties in alphabetical and numeral order and the date of the latest Class assigned to each property.
Listing of properties that have been “condemned” by the City of Bloomington for various types of code violations.
Common FAQs
What is the purpose of the Rental Housing inspection program?
Why register rental properties?
Who needs to register?
How much is registration and how long is the registration good for?
Is anything else required for registration?
What are building "ratings" and what do they mean?
Do I need a "Certificate of Inspection "?
What is the cost of inspections and reinspections?
What happens if a tenant or owner refuses an inspection?
How soon, prior to an inspection, will I be notified?
What do inspectors look for during their inspections?
How long will I have to fix the repairs?
What happens if violations are not corrected on time?
How do I appeal if I disagree with a violation?
Who will explain to the tenants why the inspection is being conducted?
Do I need to be present at the time of inspection?
What is the purpose of the Rental Housing inspection program?
To maintain the City's rental housing stock through the participation of owners, tenants, the City and the community through periodic building inspections and annual registration. (Please note that this program incorporates the existing program of inspections in response to complaints.)
Why register rental properties?
Rental properties have been found to be one of the most neglected properties within the City and creates a serious concern regarding safety and health issues as well as the overall appearance of our neighborhoods.
Who needs to register?
Anyone who owns residential rental property in the city limits of Bloomington.
How much is registration and how long is the registration good for?
Fees are $30 per building. Each condo that is owned shall have a separate registration. Registrations are annual and will be good until December 31st of each year. Your annual registration renewal will be sent to you at least 30 days prior to expiration. Registrations cannot be transferred to new owners.
Is anything else required for registration?
Yes, a letter of credit from a bank or a pledged account in the amount of $5,000 per building may be required for any building that receives a Class C or D rating. The letter of credit or pledged amount will be required until the building receives an A or B rating.
What are building "ratings" and what do they mean?
After your building has received its first inspection it will be given a rating as follows:
- Class A - The building is in excellent condition and has minor or no violations of applicable City Codes requiring re-inspection. The building shall be re-inspected in five (5) years.
- Class B - The building is in good condition and has minor violations of applicable City Codes requiring re-inspection and the violations do not pose an immediate threat of danger to the life, health and safety of the occupants of the building. The building shall be re-inspected in two (2) years.
- Class C - The building is in sound condition and has major or minor violations of applicable City Codes requiring re-inspection and that do not pose an immediate threat of danger to the life, health or safety of the occupants of the building. The building shall be re-inspected in one (1) year.
- Class D - The building has critical violations and is either unsafe, contains unsafe equipment, is unfit for human occupancy, or is unlawful as defined in Chapter 45 Section 108.1 et seq. The building shall be declared an "unsafe structure" and be subject to Chapter 10, Article III UNSAFE OR ABANDONED BUILDINGS. (Ordinance No. 2006-133)
Do I need a "Certificate of Inspection "?
Yes. It shall be unlawful for any owner of rental property, covered by this program, to occupy, rent or lease any building or unit without a "Certificate of Inspection" issued by the department of Planning and Code Enforcement.
What is the cost of inspections and reinspections?
The initial inspection, including the first reinspection, will be $30 per building or condominium and $10 per each additional dwelling unit in any building or condominium with more than three (3) units. If an additional reinspection is required there will be a $50 fee. If a scheduled appointment is missed there will be a $50 fee per building or condominium for each missed inspection.
What happens if a tenant or owner refuses an inspection?
An "Administrative Search Warrant" will be requested from the courts and the inspector will return with the warrant to make the inspection.
How soon, prior to an inspection, will I be notified?
Owners/agents will be notified a minimum of 15 days prior to the inspection. If there is a time conflict owners will have 2 days from receiving the notification letter to call and reschedule. The maximum extension shall be ten (10) days.
What do inspectors look for during their inspections?
Inspectors will be enforcing the International Property Maintenance Code as well as the Fire Code and other applicable City Ordinances (copies of all codes can be viewed at the City Clerks office). Items will include, but not limited to, exterior and interior building maintenance, electrical, plumbing, heating/ventilation, debris, zoning, improper vehicles on premises, life safety codes such as exiting, emergency lighting and fire protection.
How long will I have to fix the repairs?
This will depend on the extent of the violation. Some items can be repaired in 2-3 weeks others will need more time for bids etc. Inspectors are familiar with various time tables and are willing to work with landlords on time frames to complete repairs.
What happens if violations are not corrected on time?
If the violations are not corrected by the reinspection date a court appearance will be required. You may be assessed court costs in addition to fines.
How do I appeal if I disagree with a violation?
Appeals may be filed with the Construction Board of Appeals. Applications are available in the Planning and Code Enforcement Dept. An application shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provision of the code do not apply, or the requirements of the code are adequately satisfied by other means.
Who will explain to the tenants why the inspection is being conducted?
The property owner shall notify tenants of the inspection and secure tenants permission for access. If tenants have any questions they should call 434-2452.
Do I need to be present at the time of inspection?
Yes, it is the responsibility of the owner or their designated agent to be present at the building on the date and time of the inspection.