Buncombe County, NC Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Sec. 10-163(b)(1) makes it the duty of the enforcement officer to examine dwellings located in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purpose of determining fitness for human habitation under the Rental Housing Ordinance, once a complaint triggers the process; the county runs a complaint-driven program rather than routine scheduled sweeps. S. Article 4A of Chapter 15. Sec. 10-163(a) also authorizes the enforcement officer to administer oaths, examine witnesses, and appoint agents and employees needed to carry out inspections. When an inspection turns up construction in progress that would have needed a permit, Sec.

10-163(b)(2) requires the owner to produce proof the permit was obtained before any housing certificate issues, and the owner is responsible under Sec. 10-163(b)(3) for clearing furniture and other obstructions so the inspection can be completed. Findings go on standardized correction-order forms under Sec. 10-163(c), which cite the specific article sections violated and set a deadline to fix them; the owner then has five days to tell any tenants about the deficiencies found. Unresolved deficiencies escalate to the formal complaint-and-hearing process under Sec. 10-164, which can end in a repair, vacate or demolition order plus civil penalties.