Fort Worth, TX Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- City Code §§ 7-401, 7-403
- Registration
- Annual, per complex
- Inspection frequency
- At least every two years
- Enforcing agency
- Code Compliance Department
- Fee
- ~$25 first unit, plus per-unit
Summary
Fort Worth requires every apartment landlord to register each multifamily complex annually with Code Compliance and submit to periodic city inspections at least once every two years. Knowingly operating an unregistered complex is a criminal offense.
The landlord of a multifamily dwelling complex shall annually register the complex with the director... A registration is valid for one year from the date the completed registration form is filed in the office of the director, and payment of the registration fee has been made, unless the ownership of the complex changes... A landlord commits an offense if the landlord knowingly operates a multifamily dwelling complex which is not currently registered with the director.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 7-401 requires the landlord of a multifamily dwelling complex to register it annually with the director of Code Compliance; a registration is valid for one year, and a change of ownership triggers a new registration and fee within 30 days. Under § 7-403 the director inspects complexes as often as deemed necessary and schedules periodic inspections no less frequently than once every two years; landlords whose complexes fail must correct all violations within 30 days unless the director grants an extension. Registration fees run about $25 for the first unit plus a per-additional-unit charge. Complexes operated by a local government housing authority are exempt from periodic inspection.
Violations & Fines
A landlord commits an offense, prosecuted as a Class C misdemeanor, by knowingly operating an unregistered multifamily complex; each unregistered complex and each uncorrected inspection failure is separately enforceable by Fort Worth Code Compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Worth require landlords to register apartment complexes?
How often does Fort Worth inspect apartment complexes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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Inspection Programs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle inspection programs.