Baytown, TX Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- City inspection frequency
- At least once a year, Sec. 18-710(c)
- Follow-up fee
- $100 per building with persisting violation
- Correction window
- 30 days after a failed periodic inspection
- Fee appeal
- Written hearing request within 30 days
- Hearing officer
- City manager, within 20 days of request
Summary
Baytown runs a two-track inspection program for multi-family complexes: the chief building official schedules periodic inspections at least once a year under Sec. 18-710(c), while landlords must separately self-inspect every unit annually and at each turnover under Sec. 18-711(a)(1). Complexes that fail a follow-up inspection pay a $100 fee per building where the violation persists.
(c)The building official may inspect portions of a multi-family dwelling complex as frequently as the building official deems necessary. The building official shall schedule periodic inspections no less frequently than once every year....(g)For every inspection after the first follow-up inspection, the city shall assess the landlord a follow-up inspection fee of $100.00 per building in which a violation persists. For purposes of this subsection and subsection (h) all of the common areas shall constitute one building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 18-710(a) authorizes four inspection types: certificate-of-occupancy inspections, complaint-based inspections, periodic inspections, and follow-up inspections. Periodic inspections cover all building exteriors, exterior and interior common areas, vacant dwelling units, and occupied units on tenant complaint (Sec. 18-710(b)). The building official schedules periodic inspections no less than once a year and may inspect more often at discretion (Sec. 18-710(c)); landlords must make exteriors, common areas and vacant units available at reasonable times (Sec. 18-710(d)). A complex that fails a periodic inspection must correct all cited violations within 30 days or a reasonable time under industry standards (Sec.
18-710(e)). 00 per building, with all common areas counting as a single building for fee purposes; notice of the fee is mailed (Sec. 18-710(g)). The same $100-per-building follow-up fee applies to failed non-periodic inspections (Sec. 18-710(h)). A landlord disputing an assessed fee must file a written request for an administrative hearing within 30 days of the fee's mailing date; the city manager conducts that hearing within 20 days of the request (Sec. 18-710(i)-(j)). The building official may inspect more frequently than the baseline if there is cause to believe the complex is out of compliance (Sec.
05 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (Sec. 18-710(l)). Parallel to this, landlords must self-inspect every unit at least annually and at each occupancy change, keeping signed reports for three years (Sec. 18-711(a)(1), (b)(4)).
Violations & Fines
Fees accrue at $100 per building for every inspection after the first follow-up in which a violation persists (Sec. 18-710(g)-(h)), and units that remain vacant after a failed inspection are posted for non-occupancy until the building passes (Sec. 18-710(m)). Operating an unregistered complex or ignoring inspection findings altogether is separately chargeable as a Class C misdemeanor under Sec. 18-725 and Sec. 18-727(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Baytown inspect multi-family rental complexes?
What happens if a Baytown rental complex fails a follow-up inspection?
Can a Baytown landlord appeal an inspection fee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baytown
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Baytown to another location·View the Texas rental inspections overview
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Inspection Programs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle inspection programs.