Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in El Paso

El Paso, TX Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rental registration
None required
Periodic inspection
None; complaint-based only
Repealed chapter
17.16, repealed Feb. 2009
Enforcing agency
City building official
Housing-code fine
Up to $2,000 per day

Summary

El Paso does not register rentals or run a periodic rental-inspection program. The city repealed its housing "Inspections and certificates" chapter in 2009. Ordinary house and apartment rentals need no license, and inspection happens only on complaint or reasonable cause of a violation.

Chapter 17.16 - RESERVED. Editor's note— Ord. No. 17075, § 1, passed February 24, 2009, repealed Chapter 17.16 in its entirety. Formerly said chapter pertained to Inspections and certificates and derived from Ord. 16984, § 1, 2008; Ord. 16806, § 2; Ord. 15754, § 1, 2004; Ord. 9585, § 1, 1988; Ord. 8981, 1987; Prior Code §§ 13-51—13-55.

View official code

Full Breakdown

There is no rental license, landlord registration, or crime-free multi-housing mandate in El Paso. Chapter 17.16, which once covered rental "Inspections and certificates," was repealed in full by Ordinance 17075 on February 24, 2009. Housing standards run on the 1985 Standard Housing Code (Chapter 17.04), enforced by the city building official on complaint or reasonable cause of a violation, not through scheduled rental inspections. Violations carry a misdemeanor fine up to $2,000 per day. Transient lodging is the exception: lodginghouses, hotels, and motels (Chapter 17.08) and trailer courts (Chapter 17.12) still need annual city licenses and inspection.

Violations & Fines

A housing-code defect draws a written notice from the building official; failing to correct it is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does El Paso require landlords to register their rentals?
No. El Paso has no rental registration or licensing for ordinary house and apartment rentals. The chapter that once covered rental inspections and certificates was repealed in 2009.
Will the city inspect my rental unit?
Only on complaint or reasonable cause of a code violation. El Paso runs no scheduled rental-inspection program; the building official enforces the Standard Housing Code case by case.
Are any rentals inspected routinely?
Yes, transient lodging. Lodginghouses, hotels, motels, and trailer courts need annual city licenses and inspection under Chapters 17.08 and 17.12, but standard residential rentals do not.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in El Paso

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All El Paso rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare El Paso to another location·View the Texas rental inspections overview

Get notified when Inspection Programs in El Paso, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.