RENTAL, NON OWNER OCCUPIED AND VACANT HOUSING INSPECTIONS

 The City began inspecting non-owner occupied properties in 1986 to protect the public health, safety and welfare of city residents and to improve housing conditions within the City of Jackson. The City's stock of non-owner occupied housing is inspected systematically. Chapter 14 of the Housing Code of the City of Jackson and Act 286 of P.A. 1968 of the State of Michigan govern the inspections.

What Can I Expect?

• A letter will indicate the scheduled date and time of your inspection.
• An inspector will meet you or your representative at the property and record any violations of the Housing Code.
• In the event violations are detected, a Notice of Violation will be mailed to you and the inspector will automatically return in 45 days. You will be notified by letter when the reinspection will occur.
• At the 45 day inspection, if repairs have begun and all hazardous violations have been corrected, you may be given extra time to complete the remaining work by signing an extension request form.
• If the extension is granted, the inspector will return in approximately 45 days. Again, you will be notified in writing of the time and date.
• If all work is completed, an invoice will be mailed to you. If the work is not completed, you will need to request an extension from the Building Code Board of Appeals (BCBA).

The Building Code Board of Appeals (BCBA).

• We will send you an application to have your appeal heard. It must be returned with a $25 filing fee.
• The BCBA is your final opportunity to receive an extension of time to completed needed repairs.
• The BCBA typically meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm on the second floor of City Hall. You will be notified of the date and time.
• If you do not return the application or the BCBA does not grant your appeal for an extension, you will be issued a misdemeanor ticket.

What Happens When a Ticket Is Issued?

• Failure to correct Housing Code violations is a misdemeanor offense.
• You or your attorney must appear in court and be arraigned.
• The maximum penalty is $500 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
• The judge will require reinspection of the property to verify you have completed all repairs. You must call the Building Inspection Division to arrange a reinspection at least 10 days in advance.

What Are the Fees?

• You will be invoiced after the property is brought into compliance.
• The minimum charge for a single family structure is $125 or 
• If a certificate was issued for a previous compliance date that is within five years of the current compliance date: $75.
• Additional units: $10 each.
• Additional inspection attempts: $40 each
• If the first inspection finds no violation: There Is No Charge

Are Owner Occupied Properties Inspected?

• Yes - the exterior of owner occupied properties are inspected. 
• Yes - if the house contains one or more unit.
• Yes - if you purchase the property as an in-place tenant after the inspection has been conducted.
• Yes - if the house is also used for rooming or foster care.

What About Selling Property?

Once a property has been inspected, the seller must have the buyer sign an Affidavit of Disclosure available from this office. The signed affidavit and copy of the sales document must be returned to our office. The buyer is responsible for all remaining repairs and fees.

What Will Be Inspected?

• Paint is in good condition and not peeling.
• Electrical is safe, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) are in the bathroom(s) and kitchen, and all wiring meets code.
• Kitchen floors and bathroom are impervious to water.
• Roof is in good condition, has no leaks, no more than two layers of shingles, no missing shingles.
• Plumbing is safe, without leaks, and meets code.
• Windows are in good condition, have sash controls, and storms/screens are in good condition.
• Smoke detectors on each floor are operable.
• Heating system works properly and is safe.
• All other conditions on the property satisfy the requirements of Chapter 14 of the Housing Code.

What About Tenant Complaints?

• Tenants may file a complaint through the Building Division on the 6th floor of City Hall. The owner will be given a copy of the complaint and given 30 days to complete the repairs.
• If all violations are not remedied, the entire property will be inspected under Chapter 14 of the Housing Code and the maximum fee structure will be applied.
• If the property does not have all utilities, the structure will be declared unfit for human habitation and ordered vacated until all utilities are restored.

Questions or need more information? Please call (517) 788-4070.