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1. Will all rental units be inspected?

All non-owner occupied residential rental units will be inspected. Units will be inspected on a five-year rotation or, as needed, on a complaint basis.

2. How often will an inspection be completed?

Units will be inspected on a rotation, or, as needed, on a complaint basis. Until a registration system is established, it will be difficult to determine an inspection schedule.

3. Do I have to agree to an inspection?

Inspections are a mandatory component of the program. Inspectors will work with landlords to resolve scheduling conflicts.

4. What will an inspection entail?

An inspector will physically walk through the rental unit to make sure basic life and safety standards are being met. The inspector will complete an inspection report and provide that report to the city.

If all standards are met, a certificate of compliance will be issued for the property.

If standards are not met, the city building department will provide the landlord with a list of changes needed to bring the unit into compliance.

The inspection checklist does not preclude property owners from complying with the full building maintenance code.

5. Who will complete the inspection

The city of Pierre is partnering with the Pierre Housing and Redevelopment Commission to complete the inspections. 

6. Does the property owner need to be present for the inspection?

The property owner or representative of the property needs to be present for the inspection. The renter is not required to be at the inspection, but is welcome to be in attendance.

7. What happens if a violation is identified during an inspection?

Staff will work with the owner to help resolve any issues. 

Fines are not assessed based on the first inspection. 

If there is a code violation, the city will work with the owner on a reasonable timeframe to resolve the issue.

8. Why is the city focusing on rentals units rather than owner-occupied properties?

The does work with owner-occupied properties; they are handled on a complaint basis.

With rental units, there is a level of consumer risk involved.  The proposed program allows the city to take a proactive approach to identify dangerous or unhealthy situations and prevent them from becoming worse.