Inspections and inspector information

• For single-unit properties, an inspection of the unit (if detached) or property (if attached) is required.
• For multiunit properties, an inspection of 10% of the total units on the property, randomly selected by the inspector, is required.

The number of inspections must be 10% of the total units, rounded to the nearest whole number. At least one must be inspected if there are fewer than 10 total units. Examples: 11 units equals one inspection required, 26 units equals three inspections required, 141 units equals 14 inspections required, 267 units equals 27 inspections required.

Multiunit inspections will also cover any shared utilities or building-wide items. These are included on the inspection checklist for multifamily/unit properties.

• Residential Rental Inspection Checklist form(PDF, 327KB)
• Residential Rental Checklist Guidebook(PDF, 367KB) explains which regulations the inspector will check for. It also explains how compliance should be determined.

Because inspections and re-inspections are done by third-party inspectors, the cost is not set by the city. Costs will vary based on each inspector’s pricing. It's also based on the number of units that need to be inspected. The program requires at least 10% of units at a multiunit rental property be inspected (or one if there are fewer than 10 units). Units must be randomly selected by the inspector using a random number generator.

Applications for residential rental property licenses must be made within 90 days of a complete inspection to be considered valid. Re-inspections must be completed and submitted within one year of application.

• Copy of completed checklist(s) for property inspected. Checklist must be completed on city-approved form.
• Provide copies of certifications – one from each A and B.
  1. Certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) or the Master Inspector Certification Board, and  
  2. Certified as an R5, C5, or C8 Combination Building Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC)

If a property fails an inspection, then an inspector has noted a life safety or critical health issue that makes it unsafe for tenants. If repairs to structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems are required to ensure they are safe and in good working order, property owners must receive permits. A qualified contractor must make the repairs before having the rental unit re-inspected. A re-inspection or verification from the inspector is required to confirm compliance.

What if my repairs require building permits?

Building permits are issued and completed work is inspected by Community Planning and Development. Visit www.denvergov.org/epermits to apply.

What if I'm unable to comply with the checklist?

Denver’s rules and regulations governing residential health are important to ensure safe and habitable living conditions. Variance petitions can be submitted to the Board of Public Health & Environment. The petitioner must show they meet the standards for obtaining a variance. The Board may approve, approve with conditions, or decline the request. More information and how to submit a variance are in the Rules Governing Hearings before the Board.

For any other information about a failed inspection, call 311 or email licenses@denvergov.org. The Department will follow up with you directly.

• Alternative inspection reports certifying compliance with federal housing standards, conducted by a local, state, or federal government agency, or a state finance agency, can be submitted instead of the inspection checklist by a qualified residential rental inspector.
• If you are applying as an affordable or public housing property with an alternative inspection checklist, a copy of that inspection must be submitted. This alternative inspection report must be within four years of the application date.
• If you are applying as a new construction exemption, you must submit a copy of a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy. Expired temporary certificate of occupancy will not be accepted. This is only for new construction. It does not include existing structures that receive a new certificate of occupancy. This exemption applies only to applications submitted within four years after the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy.

• Only inspectors who meet the qualifications established by the ordinance DRMC 27-192 can perform RRP inspections. To perform RRP inspections, a person must be: (a) Certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) or the Master Inspector Certification Board, and (b) Certified as an R5, C5, or C8 Combination Building Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC).
• Inspections by anyone without both required certifications -- one from (a) and one from (b) -- won't be accepted. Applicants must provide copies of inspector certifications as part of the application.

• Inspectors on the list are not guaranteed to be qualified. For example, if a certification expires. Being on the list does not constitute an endorsement by the City and County of Denver. Property owners/managers are responsible for confirming any inspector they hire is qualified.
• Inspectors must hold both required certifications --
  • (a) Certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) or the Master Inspector Certification Board, and
  • (b) Certified as an R5, C5, or C8 Combination Building Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC)
• Inspectors who want to be added to the list, fill out this form with the required information.
  • The list will update each Tuesday.
  • Ensure the information is correct and accurate. If you notice any errors, email licenses@denvergov.org to delete your submission and resubmit your information.
  • Inspector list(XLSX, 23KB)

• Verify inspector certifications
  • ASHI: https://www.homeinspector.org/Find-An-Inspector
  • Certified Master Inspector:  https://certifiedmasterinspector.org/members
  • InterNachi: https://www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors
  • ICC: https://www.iccsafe.org/search-for-certified-professionals/

Qualified businesses can access subsidies in exchange for providing new employees with training and needed experience. This is through Denver Workforce Services. New employees can be eligible to receive up to $500 in supportive services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eligibility requirements must be met for new employees to receive WIOA funding. For more information, connect with Denver Workforce Services.

Refer to your certification agencies for information on best practices. This includes ethics, standards of practice, records retention and other.