Occupancy Inspection Checklist

[Sana Tan]

Hi, I am getting my first unit ready for rent. I have to obtain an occupancy permit by having the city come over and inspect the property. I'm not sure what to expect. Is there any way I can find an inspection checklist? Also, do all states require inspection?

[Kyle Eckert]

@Sana Tan

In the county, occupancy rules will be determined by the municipality you're in.  Some are much more lax than others, some are super strict on the side of absurd. Unversity City is the pinnacle of this, they are on a mission to improve their city through occupancy inspections.  Brace yourself if you're in U City.

As for STL City, I ask for a checklist from each inspector I work with, and they all have said the same thing. "Thats a great idea, but we don't have one."  The city occupancy inspection is highly dependent on the inspector.  Some don't even show up and pass a property, some will make you rip out the walls if you did electrical work without a permit.

Things I have been dinged for:

Handrails, smoke detectors, CO detectors, and holes in the wall (service stairwell).  Each time I fixed the issue, took a picture and emailed it over for the permit to be issued.

Be friendly and punctual, ask questions and chat them up to show you're engaged, and don't be a slum lord.  Follow those basic rules and you should be ahead of the curve.