Required to allow the county inspector inside?

[Michael Bridgett]

I have a disgruntled tenant who filed a claim with the counties livability inspector.

Shortly thereafter, I received a violation notice in the mail advising that an inspector verified that electric and plumbing work has been completed at my property without the required permits.

This is 100 year old small multi-family property that I purchased two years ago, turn key.

Now, the county inspector is requesting that I meet him at the property and allow him inside to inspect the plumbing and electrical for any code violations. 

Would you all let him in?

The violation notice mentions that I’m required to pull permits within 30 days or face daily citations. It’s hard to pull permits when I have no idea exactly what the violation is. Thoughts?

The property is in Frederick County, Maryland.

Thanks BP!

[Bruce Woodruff]

No you do not have to let them in or on your property. A neighbor of mine went through this with another PITA neighbor calling code enforcement. They will come in if you let them, but if you say no or better yet post a 'No Trespassing' sign, they cannot enter.

But @Nathan Gesner is right, you don't want to die on this hill. Make it easy for them to help you resolve this issue. Be their friend and ask for help. You didn't know about the violations so they should be lenient about the daily fine - if you cooperate :-)

As @Bill B. said, get a good licensed General Contractor to accompany you...that will show the Inspector you are serious and give you credibility.

Also dump this tenant while you have the chance, use the excuse of needing the place empty while you do the work. Then start over fresh - nice new place, nice new tenant! Yes it will cost you some $$ but you should have known about the problems through your Home Inspector......Make this a win for you and move on.