Denver Rental Inspections and Inspector Information

How many inspections are needed?

• 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.

What is inspected?

• 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.

How much does an inspection cost?

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. 

What is the application timeframe requirement?

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

What is provided to the customer from the inspector for residential rental property applications?

• 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.  

(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)

What happens if I have non-compliant checklist items?

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.

Inspection exemptions?

• 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.

What are the inspector's certification requirements?

• 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.

Have more questions about the program or the application? 

Visit the City of Denver Rental Licensing FAQ page here for more information.