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Allen, TX Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
3+ units, over 1 year old
License
Required per complex, annual
Annual fee
$15 per dwelling unit
Inspections
Exteriors, common areas, units
Max penalty
$2,000 per day

Summary

Every apartment complex in Allen with three or more units and more than a year past its certificate of occupancy must hold a current city license, renewed annually, and submit to periodic inspections of building exteriors, common areas, and dwelling units. Operating without a license is a misdemeanor.

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate, or manage a multi-family complex in the city without a current and valid license having been issued for said multi-family complex. ... A multi-family complex for which the initial certificate of occupancy has been issued for the original construction thereof shall be exempt from this license requirement for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

Full Breakdown

Allen's Multi-Family Licensing and Inspection Ordinance (Chapter 6, Article VI; Ord. No. 3869-10-21) makes it unlawful for the owner, operator, or manager of any multi-family complex with three or more dwelling units, more than one year past its certificate of occupancy, to run it without a separate license for each location. Applications list ownership, unit counts by bedroom configuration, and 24-hour emergency contacts; the annual fee is set by council resolution (currently $15 per dwelling unit). The director conducts periodic inspections of building exteriors, exterior and interior common areas, mechanical and storage rooms, vacant units, and occupied units against the property maintenance code, and may suspend, revoke, or deny a license.

Violations & Fines

Owning, operating, or managing a complex without a current license, or while it is suspended, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 per offense, with each day a separate offense; Allen may also sue for injunctive relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a small fourplex need a license?
Yes. Any complex with three or more dwelling units that is more than one year past its certificate of occupancy needs a current Allen license. Newly built complexes are exempt for one year from the CO date.
What does the city inspection cover?
Allen's director inspects all building exteriors, exterior and interior common areas, mechanical, maintenance and storage rooms, vacant dwelling units, and occupied units for compliance with the city's building and property maintenance codes.
What happens if the fee or training is missed?
The director can suspend, revoke, or deny the license, including for failure to attend the required annual training. A suspended or revoked complex cannot lawfully be operated until it is brought back into compliance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Allen

All Allen rules

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