Thoughts on Goverment Rental Property Inspections

[Patrick Squires]

Our rental is in Waterford MI and after the housing crash Waterford created a "Rental Property Annual Operating Fee" of $50.00-$25.00 a unit for all SFH & Apartments (high density per building is less but still $200.00 for a basic 4 unit building. Which is really not only a fee but also random scheduled inspections which can invoke additional fines. The inspections cover everything from Fire Alarms and handrails to plumbing codes and egress points. They notify every non-homestead home owner and that you need to sign up/register for the annual fee per unit.

I don't necessarily feel code enforcement is an issue but the NOT voluntary inspection is basically a warrantless infringement into the homes.  Now if say a tenant/anyone was given a avenue to say hey I have no fire alarm in my building and thus ensued a inspection that's one thing.  But the random inspections are not ok in my view - there should be a warrant process - Not a hey were inspecting and found these violations x & x etc.

I fretted the first one as they provide a list and some items were a bit crazy.  The "inspection" though however these last few times were fairly simple ten minute visits from various code enforcement individuals.  I had to install a anti siphon/back wash valve on the utility sink and we removed the water softener as it was not plumbed "correctly" - could not lock the bypass.  Thus far we have between about 500 into the annual fees and items addressed from "inspections" and this is for just one property.

Anyone have their own thoughts/experiences to share regarding?  I guess for some cities the Annual Inspections has been challenged and found unconstitutional.