Manchester, NH Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 150.104
- Application fee
- $25 per dwelling or rooming unit
- Inspection fee
- $50 per dwelling unit ($25 per room)
- First reinspection
- no charge
- Certificate term
- 3 years
- Unaccompanied inspection fee
- $100
Summary
Before Manchester issues a certificate of compliance for rental property, the Department inspects the premises and either issues the certificate or a violation notice with a correction deadline. Inspection fees run $50 per dwelling unit, with reinspections escalating from free to $50 and up.
§ 150.104 INSPECTION OF PREMISES. Following receipt of an application for a certificate of compliance, an inspection of that property shall be conducted to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter. After the inspection, the Department shall: (A) Issue a certificate of compliance if the premises comply with all provisions of this chapter; or (B) Issue a violation notice if the premises do not comply with all provisions of this chapter. The notice shall list all violations, order their correction within a specified time period, establish reinspection requirements and include such other items and conditions as the Department deems appropriate.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
104 sets the inspection step in the certificate process: following an application for a certificate of compliance, the Department inspects the property for compliance with the housing code, then either issues the certificate if the premises comply, or issues a violation notice listing every violation, ordering correction within a specified time, and setting reinspection requirements. 105 carries that forward: the owner must correct all listed violations by the deadline, and if a reinspection shows compliance the certificate issues, but if violations remain the Department may pursue further enforcement, including revoking the interim rental permit issued while the application was pending.
114 fund this process: a $25 application fee per dwelling or rooming unit, a $50 inspection fee per dwelling unit ($25 per room for a rooming unit), no charge for a first reinspection, $50 for a second reinspection with a $20 increase for each one after that, and a $100 charge for any inspection conducted without the owner or a representative present unless arranged in advance. 101.
Violations & Fines
Renting or occupying property without a valid certificate of compliance, interim rental permit, or transfer permit violates § 150.100 and is enforced under § 150.999's general schedule via § 38.06(B): $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $200 for a third, doubling if unpaid within seven days. If a reinspection under § 150.105 still shows violations, the Department may revoke the owner's interim rental permit in addition to any citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I apply for a Manchester rental certificate of compliance?
How much does a Manchester rental inspection cost?
What if my rental still fails inspection after I make repairs?
Do all Manchester landlords need a certificate of compliance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
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