Rental Housing Inspector

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the general supervision of the Building Commissioner, this position administers and supports the City's rental registration and inspection program. The Rental Housing Inspector performs rental unit inspections, documents violations, maintains rental and short-term rental records, supports collections and reporting, and assists with enforcement of applicable City codes, ordinances, and safety standards. This position is focused on rental inspection, registration compliance, program records, and related enforcement functions within the Building Commissioner's Office.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All duties are essential function of the job

1. *Inspect rental units, exterior areas, accessory structures, yards, and related property conditions to verify compliance with applicable housing, property maintenance, building, fire-safety, zoning, and rental registration requirements.
2. *Schedule initial inspections, complaint-based inspections, emergency inspections, re-inspections, and periodic inspections consistent with the City's rental inspection cycle.
3. *Prepare written inspection reports identifying violations, required corrective action, compliance deadlines, re-inspection requirements, and applicable fees or penalties.
4. *Maintain complete electronic and paper records, including inspection reports, notices, photographs, correspondence, owner/agent contact information, registration forms, and compliance history.
5. *Update and monitor rental and short-term rental records in Granicus or successor software, including property status, compliance status, registration information, owner/agent data, inspection outcomes, and monthly data updates as needed.
6. *Create and update rental registration licenses, verify parcel and owner information, process renewals, maintain permit/license numbers, and ensure registration records align with City databases and paper files.
7. *Process registration fees, re-inspection fees, penalties, and related payments; prepare or assist with reports of collections; reconcile receipts, batches, spreadsheets, and software reports; and transmit information for proper financial reporting.
8. *Review rental listings, tenant complaints, permit activity, property records, Beacon/GIS records, and other available sources to identify unregistered rental properties or changes in ownership/occupancy.
9. *Receive, document, and respond to tenant, landlord, neighborhood, and public complaints related to rental property conditions; coordinate inspections or referrals as appropriate.
10. *Prepare notices of violation, citations, compliance letters, and related enforcement documentation; initiate enforcement action when registration, inspection, or code compliance requirements are not met.
11. *Work with the Building Commissioner, Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning, Fire Department, Legal Department, City Clerk/Treasurer, and other departments as needed on rental-related compliance issues.
12. *Track short-term rental registration and compliance status through Granicus or successor systems, send notices to non-compliant operators, and maintain records of registrations and permits as assigned.
13. *Explain rental registration and inspection requirements to landlords, property managers, tenants, contractors, and members of the public in a professional and accurate manner.
14. *Assist with billing, liens, collections, or other cost-recovery documentation for enforcement activity when authorized and directed.
15. *Compile program statistics, inspection counts, registration status, collection information, compliance trends, and other reports requested by the Building Commissioner or City administration.
16. *Prepare case files and testify or provide documentation in administrative or court proceedings when requested.
17. Perform other related duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

1. Maintain accurate, complete, and organized rental inspection and registration records.
2. Apply codes, ordinances, and program requirements consistently and professionally.
3. Communicate clearly with landlords, tenants, property owners, contractors, coworkers, and the public.
4. Complete inspections, reports, notices, and collections documentation in a timely manner.
5. Maintain confidentiality of City records and sensitive resident or property information.
6. Exercise sound judgment in the field and elevate complex or sensitive matters to the Building Commissioner.
7. Maintain a professional demeanor during difficult conversations or enforcement interactions.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
2. Ability to manage multiple inspections, deadlines, complaints, and records simultaneously.
3. Ability to read and interpret ordinances, inspection checklists, property records, maps, and permit information.
4. Ability to stand, walk, sit, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl occasionally during inspections.
5. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
6. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

1. Work is performed in an office setting and in the field at rental properties, construction sites, and other inspection areas.
2. Field work may involve exposure to weather conditions, uneven surfaces, animals, deteriorated structures, construction hazards, unsanitary conditions, and confrontational situations.
3. A flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends, may be required for inspections, public meetings, or enforcement needs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

1. Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, technical training, or coursework in building inspection, code enforcement, construction, public administration, or a related field preferred.
2. Experience or demonstrated knowledge of rental housing, property maintenance, construction, building systems, land development, code enforcement, or public-sector customer service preferred.
3. Knowledge of applicable City ordinances, state and local codes, rental registration requirements, and inspection practices preferred.
4. Experience with Granicus, SmartGov, Beacon/GIS property records, Microsoft Office, Excel spreadsheets, and records management systems preferred.
5. Ability to prepare clear written reports, correspondence, notices, and documentation.
6. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and good driving record.
7. Familiarity with basic OSHA standards and safety practices preferred.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

1. Computer, tablet, phone, camera, printer/scanner, and related office equipment.
2. Granicus or successor rental/short-term rental compliance software, SmartGov or successor permitting software, Beacon/GIS systems, Microsoft Office, and inspection forms/checklists.
3. Measuring devices, flashlight, personal protective equipment, and other inspection-related tools.