Rental Registration Program

Inspection Guide for Landlords

Being prepared for a Rental Inspection by a City of Fairmont Code Official will result in a more efficient and effective review of your rental unit(s).

The following information is not all-inclusive; however, a little diligence to this inspection criterion will result in a successful review of your property:

• Electrical Requirements: Minimum 60 amps, 3-wire service, no open splices or insulation damage. Must have correct wiring method (correct polarity, no open circuits). Two receptacles required in each habitable space, 1 receptacle required in the bathroom. Disconnects identified, correct over current protection (i.e., number 10 wire protected by 30 amp fuse or breaker, number 12 wire protected by 20 amp fuse or breaker, and number 14 wire protected by 15 amp fuse or breaker).
• Exterior Structure: Dwelling unit must have structural integrity of:
  • Beams
  • Chimneys
  • Columns
  • Foundation
  • Roofs
  • Walls

Street numbers must be easily observed.

• Fire Safety Requirements: Stairs having more than 4 risers require 30 inches to 42 inches handrails (measured from nose of the tread). Landing, balcony, porch, or other walking surface over 30 inches in height require guards not less than 30 inches high. A safe, unobstructed means of egress shall be provided. Third story and above require two remote approved exits, properly mounted and illuminated exit signs where required. Exit doors must be readily operable from the inside. Hazardous materials (e.g. combustible, flammable, etc.) shall not be accumulated. Smoke detectors are required and to be mounted per the manufacture instructions in each location as follows:
  • Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms
  • Inside each bedroom
  • On each floor including basement and/or garages

Smoke detector violations must be corrected on the same day as inspection. Failure to correct such violation by 4 p.m. of the day of the inspection, will result in that unit and/or the entire building being vacated and condemned as an unsafe structure. (2003 International Code Council International Property Maintenance Code PM-108.1 “Unsafe Structure”-not providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occupants in the event of a fire).

• Interior Structure: Structural members in good condition, structural integrity and proper maintenance of the floors, ceilings, walls, and all other interior fixtures.
• Light, Ventilation and Occupancy Limitations: Adequate lighting, operable windows, window or vent in bathroom, independent vent for clothes dryer, 70-square-foot sleeping area, adequate ceiling heights, zoned area and occupancy limits.
• Mechanical Requirements: Provide heating facility to maintain 65 degrees Fahrenheit, Gas appliances require manual control valve adjacent to the appliance and must be provided with a thermocouple. Gas appliance must properly vent via chimney or stack to the outside with no leaks. Must have adequate combustion air, gas dryer required to have separate vent system, heating systems must be properly maintained and kept clean.
• Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements: Require bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet (firmly secured), kitchen sink, all maintained in good working condition with no leaks, hot water maintained not less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit, properly located pressure relief valve on hot water heater, plumbing fixtures properly installed and maintained.