Lease renewal - meet the standard or go somewhere else

[Troy F.]

I have a great tenant.  Great in terms of paying on time and never complains.  However, during a recent repair call the repair man reported that the dog barked constantly and that the apartment smelled strongly of dog poop.  The tenants lease is coming due and I am considering scheduling an inspection before offering him a lease renewal.  I would notify him of course as well as provide a check list of what we will be looking for.  I haven't done this before so I am wondering if I am getting into a realm of unequal treatment.  To defend this approach I can say I do have Section 8 tenants which the city requires a similar type inspection before they will approve rent payment.  I am considering using the section 8 guidelines for the inspection.  Do you all have a recommendation on how to approach this? Am I within my legal limits to request an inspection before offering a lease renewal?

Thanks!