Rental Inspections in Columbia, SC (2026)
2 verified rental inspections rules for Columbia, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Inspection Programs
Columbia inspects rental units for Property Maintenance Code and rental-ordinance violations under Sec. 5-336, but only with an occupant's consent or a warrant once the unit is occupied. Applying for a rental permit means agreeing to inspection, and anyone can file a complaint that can trigger a permit review.
Columbia's Rental Housing Inspection Program
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Code of Ordinances § 5-336
(a)Inspections. By applying for a permit, the owner agrees to allow inspection of the unit for violations of this article, as well as violations of the International Property Maintenance Code at any reasonable time; however, this provision shall not be interpreted as authorizing the city to conduct an inspection of an occupied rental unit without obtaining either the consent of an occupant or a...
Tenant Complaint Process
Sec. 5-336 lets any complainant trigger a rental-housing inspection by giving code enforcement their name, address, and a statement of facts supporting the alleged violation, given orally or in writing. Landlords who hold a rental permit already consent to inspection for code violations at any reasonable time, though the city still needs occupant consent or a warrant to enter an occupied unit.
Columbia Lets Tenants File Rental Code Complaints
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Code of Ordinances § 5-336(b)
Complaints. Each complainant shall be requested to state his/her name and addresses and give a statement of the facts giving rise to the complainant's belief that the provisions of this article are being violated. Such information may be obtained orally or in writing. A complainant may be subpoenaed to appear in a revocation or denial proceeding to provide evidence or testimony.
Looking for Richland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbia city rules.
Rental Inspections in Richland County →