The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight, and not have defects which might admit moisture.
CHIMNEYS AND OVERHAND EXTENSIONS.
Chimneys should be in good repair with sufficient mortar and a rain cap installed.
Awnings, canopies, signs, antennae, etc. should be structurally sound and properly anchored.
STRUCTURAL MEMBERS.
Structural members should be sound and capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.
GUTTERS, SOFFIT, FASCIA.
Should be securely attached without holes or other damage.
Downspouts should be attached to gutters and extended to prevent seeping into the foundation.
Gutters and drainage systems should be clear of excessive debris.
SIDING and SHUTTERS.
Siding and shutters should be uniform in color and free from warping, holes, or other damage.
DECKS/PORCHES/LANDINGS/RAMPS.
Deck boards should be secure and painted/stained where necessary. Moderate wear accepted.
Every surface that is more than 30 inches above the floor below shall have handrails and guards.
EXTERIOR STAIRS.
Steps should be secure, level, and free from variations in height or depth (3/8 inch).
The height of each stair riser should fall between 4 and 7 inches, with a min tread depth of 11 inches.
Handrails and guards should be present for every set of stairs with four or more steps.
HANDRAILS and GUARDS.
Shall be in good condition, firmly fastened, and capable of supporting normally imposed loads.
Handrails and Guards should be between 30 and 42 inches in height measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor of the landing or walking surfaces.
POOL/TUB/SPA ENCLOSURES.
Private swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, containing water more than 24 inches in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier not less than 48 inches in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier
away from the pool.
Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching. Where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism must be on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching
gates must positively close and latch when released from an open position of 6 inches from the gatepost.
An existing pool enclosure shall not be altered in a way that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier. Spas/hot tubs with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346 shall be exempt from this section.
OTHER ENCLOSURES/GATES.
Fencing should have attached boards/panels, a uniform appearance, and functional gates (if present).
Gate assemblies, operator systems if provided, and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Latches at all entrances shall tightly secure the gates.
DRIVEWAYS and SIDEWALKS.
Surfaces must be in good condition and be free of any sudden elevation changes of more than 2 inches.
Cracks should be sealed, and gravel surfaces should have adequate coverage without bare spots.
Surfaces should be free from weeds and paint or oil stains.
DOORS and HATCHWAYS.
Exterior doors must have a deadbolt lock designed to be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort.
Basement hatchways and Bilco doors must be able to lock from the inside of the property.
Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents and water.
Locks on egress doors shall not be lockable from the exterior.
GARAGE(S).
Garage doors should be free from significant dents and holes.
Doors should operate freely, be lubricated, and have aligned eyes.
At least 2 remotes should be programmed.
LANDSCAPING / GRADING.
Free of trash/debris and weeds/saplings. Bushes trimmed and mulch beds topped off.
Trees/bushes should not touch buildings, roofs, or overhead lines.
Window wells must have covers attached and undamaged.
No holes or piles of dirt in the yard. Dirt sloped away from the foundation to prevent water seepage.
EXTERIOR ELECTRICAL.
Exterior lighting should function properly.
Security lights should work as intended with uniform bulbs.
Exterior outlets should be functional and have water-resistant covers.
EXTERIOR PLUMBING / SEWER
Outdoor spigots should be operational or removed and be the frost-proof type.
If present, the septic system should be recently serviced and free from obvious damage or odors.
FOUNDATION.
Foundation systems must be firmly supported by footings, plumb, and free from open cracks and breaks.
Brick walls should be tuckpointed with masonry joints in good repair where applicable.
OTHER EXTERIOR SURFACES.
All exterior walls shall be free of leaks, loose, or rotting materials and excessive dirt or mildew.
All exterior surfaces should be protected with paint or stain where necessary to prevent deterioration.
EXTERIOR MISCELLANEOUS.
Mailboxes should be present for each unit, in good condition, and professionally labeled.
House numbers should be clearly visible from the road (4+ inch letters, contrasting).
No indoor furniture (couches, chairs, etc.) is allowed to be placed outside.
Approved trash cans must be provided for the tenant. If multi-unit, a dumpster must be provided.
INTERIOR
BEDROOM/SLEEPING ROOM REQUIREMENTS.
Must have at least 70 square feet of floor area with an additional 50 sq ft for each additional occupant.
Ceilings must be at least 6.4 ft high, and the room width and length must be at least 7ft in each direction.
Rooms need at least one openable window. The window opening must be at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high. Its opening must be no higher than 44 inches from the floor. Special Exception Reads Below.
An exception to the window requirement: There must be at least two entry doors to the bedroom that lead to a common space for egress AND the bedroom must receive ventilation and natural light from an adjoining room. The unobstructed opening
to the adjoining room shall be not less than 8 percent of the floor area of the interior room or space, but not less than 25 square feet.
There must be at least two separate functioning outlets.
A smoke detector must be located on the ceiling or on the wall within six (6) inches from the ceiling.
Another smoke detector must be located outside of the room, within 10ft of the door.
Closet doors and shelving/rods should be present, uniform in appearance, and secure.
BATHROOM REQUIREMENTS.
A minimum of one bathroom is required for every 4 bedrooms in the home with one of these located within one story of the bedrooms and accessible without passing through a bedroom to access it.
Must have a ceiling height of at least 6ft, 8 in high.
Must have a privacy doorknob/lock. and have a mechanical ventilation system that vents to the exterior.
Minimum of one outlet and one light fixture with all outlets being GFCI within 6ft of a water source.
Must contain a sink or have one immediately outside the door (cannot include the kitchen sink)
Showers should have secure shower bars and smooth-operating shower doors (if present).
Caulking should be fresh in the areas needing it and silicone between the shower/tub base and the floor.
Bathroom vanity hardware should be in good repair and matching color, with a minimum of a towel bar/hook and toilet paper holder.
Vanity mirrors should be installed and free from damage or excessive de-silvering/tarnish.
KITCHEN REQUIREMENTS.
Must have at least two outlets and one light fixture with every outlet on the kitchen counter and/or within 6ft of a water source having GFCI protection.
Must have a kitchen sink and faucet.
Kitchen cabinets should be free from damage, with present hinges, doors/drawers that open/close freely, square, and professionally installed, uniform appearance/color, and secure shelves.
Kitchen hardware should match and be present on every drawer/cabinet.
The walkway must be at least 3 feet wide between counterfronts and appliances or walls.
Backsplash should be secure and free from damage or missing grout/tile.
Countertops should be free from damage, with installed and secure laminate end pieces (if applicable).
Range Hood filters should be clean and fresh (if applicable).
Drip pans should be new and fit appropriately (if applicable).
Smoke Detectors should be removed from the kitchen unless needed for a separate requirement.
LAUNDRY ROOM REQUIREMENTS
Grounding and Lighting
At least one grounding-type outlet or an outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and one light fixture.
Clothes dryer must exhaust outside and not be tied into an existing vent system. Exception: Listed and labeled condensing (ductless) clothes dryers.
BASEMENT / FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS
Floor Joist, Beams, and Supports
Floor joists, beams, and other supports must be free from notches or cracks and in serviceable condition.
Basement Sump Pumps and Dehumidifier
Basement sump pumps (if installed) must be functional and pump to the exterior, not the sewer.
A dehumidifier should be present and properly piped to a drain.
COMMON ROOM REQUIREMENTS
Lighting and Ceiling Height
Every hallway, interior stairway, public room, and furnace room shall have at least one light fixture. If Multi-Family, these common/shared area lights must stay on at all times.
Habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, laundry areas, bathrooms, toilet rooms, and habitable basement areas shall have a minimum clear ceiling height of 7 feet.
Cleanliness and Clearance
All hallways, exits, stairways, and stairwells must be clean and clear of any debris.
INTERIOR STAIRS
Stair Safety
Steps should be secure, level, and free from variations in height or depth (3/8 inch).
The height of each stair riser should fall between 4 and 7 inches, with a minimum tread depth of 11 inches.
Handrails and guards should be present for every set of stairs with four or more steps.
HANDRAILS AND GUARDS
Height and Maintenance
Every walking surface that is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have handrails and guards.
Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
Handrails and Guards should be between 30 and 42 inches in height measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor of the landing or walking surfaces.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Clutter-Free Property
The property should be free of personal items such as lawn mowers, wood, paintings, table/chairs, laundry supplies, etc.
PLUMBING
Water Shut-off and Heater
Water main shut-off valve should be operable and free of leaks. Recommend ball-valve type.
Water heaters shall be capable of providing an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower, and laundry facility at a temperature not less than 110°F.
Water heaters should be leak-free and have a copper overflow tube that falls within 6 inches of the floor.
Gas-burning water heaters shall not be located in any bathroom, toilet room, bedroom, or other occupied room normally kept closed, unless adequate combustion air is provided.
Expansion tanks should be in good condition and free of leaks, as required in closed plumbing systems.
Drains and Faucets
All drains should drain freely, be hard piped, free from leaks, and have a drain cover.
All faucets should provide good pressure for hot and cold water without any leaks.
Toilets should flush properly, be free from cracks and leaks, have secure seats, and be properly anchored to the floor (no rocking or twisting).
INTERIOR ELECTRICAL
Functional Outlets and Wiring
All outlets, lights, and switches should function properly and be free from signs of damage (burns, etc.). All outlet, switch, cable, and other covers must be undamaged and match in style and color.
All wiring connections must be in approved electrical boxes with fastened covers.
Electrical panels should be free from damage, with tight breakers and approved covers.
Electrical service should be damage-free, secured to the property, and with no down/low-hanging wires.
Phone/internet cable wires shall be concealed with excess cable wound up neatly.
GFCI outlets are required at all locations within 6 feet of a water source.
All kitchen counter outlets must be the GFCI type.
Dwelling units shall be served by a three-wire, 120/240 volt, single-phase electrical service having a minimum rating of 100 amps.
HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
Furnaces, Thermostats, and A/C
Furnaces/heaters should work as intended, completing full cycles, turning off, and having clean filters.
Thermostats should have fresh batteries, turn on, and adjust the temperature appropriately.
A/C condensers should be free from excessive dirt and obstructions.
A/C window units should be secured with exterior supports and properly insulated for winter conditions.
Ductwork should be connected, and vents should operate as expected with fastened covers.
All air vents should have appropriately sized covers that are firmly attached.
Heat must be able to maintain a temperature of 68 degrees in all sleeping rooms.
Fuel-burning equipment and appliances shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent. Exception: Fuel-burning equipment and appliances that are labeled for unvented operation.
WALLS/CEILINGS/TILE
Drywall and Tile Conditions
Drywall should be free from knicks, gouges, chipping paint, and holes.
Walls should be painted uniformly with a professional appearance.
All tile should be in good repair, free from missing grout, and sealed for water protection.
APPLIANCES
Functional and Clean
Appliances should be functional, clean, and free from damage or missing parts.
Garbage disposals should operate smoothly without excessive noise and have intact gaskets and covers.
Refrigerators should be complete with shelving/drawers, free from excessive rust, and both freezer and fridge components functioning as intended.
Dishwashers should operate as intended; open/close smoothly; with all shelving present.
Clothes washers should complete a full cycle without leaks.
Clothes Dryers should be free of excessive lint and be properly vented to the exterior.
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Door and Window Conditions
All interior egress doors must not be lockable from the exterior of the door (egress side).
All doors should be painted/stained, operate freely, with all their intended hardware fastened securely.
Every exterior door and window should be weather and wind-tight.
Bathroom doors should have privacy locks.
Sliding glass doors should lock, be free from cracks or chips, and have lubricated tracks.
Doorstops should be installed behind every door.
Door/window casings should be installed, painted/stained, and caulked if necessary.
Windows should open/close easily, capable of being held open by window hardware, lock securely, be free from any cracks, and have tight-fitting glass with no gaps (glazed).
Windowsills should be free from rot/damage and match other windows.
Blinds should be installed on every window/glass door and be free from any damage or missing slats.
Openable windows should have tightly fitting screens that are free of holes or tears.
Egress window openings must be at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high. Its opening must be no higher than 44 inches from the floor. Special Exception Reads Below.
FLOORING
Floor Condition
Flooring should be free from excessive stains, cracks, tears, frays, or odors.
Grout should be present, clean, and sealed.
Flooring seams should be tight and professionally installed.
There should be no soft spots, waves, or uneven areas.
Baseboards and base shoe should be installed, as necessary, and caulked, painted/stained.
MOLD
Mold and Moisture
The property should be free from mold or mildew, with no signs of excessive moisture accumulation.
All bathrooms with a shower/tub should have functioning exhaust fans that vent outside.
All basements should have a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 60%.
TERMITES/RODENTS/PESTS
Pest-Free Property
The property should be free from signs of termite damage and pests, including mice, roaches, flies, etc.
Where rodents are found they should be promptly exterminated by approved processes. After pest extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent future issues.
During certain times of the year, bats may not be removed from the premises if they have moved into a non-living part of the house. Time and weather dictate the code.
MISCELLANEOUS
Cleanliness
The house should be hotel clean, free from dust, grime, and buildup, including behind toilets, inside tubs, inside cabinets, and appliances.
SAFETY
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors should be installed in each bedroom and within 10 ft of the outside of each bedroom, with at least one on each floor of the property and at the top of each stairwell. They should be installed on the ceiling or on the wall within
6 inches of the ceiling and have a 10-year sealed battery.
Smoke alarms, when possible, should be installed at least 3 ft away horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower.
All hardwired smoke/CO2 detectors must have a fresh battery inserted for backup.
Means of Egress
There must be a safe, continuous, and unobstructed means of egress from the interior of a structure to the exterior areas leading to a public area at grade. All doors in the required means of egress must be readily openable from the inner
side without the use of keys.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors should be present on each floor of the property and within 15 ft of each bedroom.
Lock Re-keying
All exterior locks must be re-keyed between tenancies.
FIRE DOORS
Fire Door Conditions
Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked or obstructed, or otherwise made inoperable. Fire door assemblies shall not be modified.
Interior vertical shafts, including stairways, elevator hoist ways, and service and utility shafts, which connect two or more stories of a building shall be enclosed with fire doors and self-closing hardware.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS
Operational Openings
Required emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools.
Bars, grilles, grates, or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided that the minimum net clear opening size complies with the code that was in effect at the time of construction, and the
unit is equipped with smoke alarms. Such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.
ABATEMENT FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS EXPOSED TO FIRE OR WATER
Inspection and Repairs
All electrical components exposed to either fire or water, including switches, outlets, wiring, circuit breakers, etc., must be inspected by a qualified electrician and either replaced or repaired with an accompanying inspection report.
