Garland, TX Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- 3+ units in a multifamily dwelling
- License deadline
- January 1; valid through Dec 31
- Inspection frequency
- At least annually, plus unit sampling
- Enforcing agency
- Director of Code Compliance
- Failed-inspection penalty
- Half-fee surcharge; bond up to 20%
Summary
Garland requires anyone renting three or more units in a multifamily dwelling, or operating a lodging establishment, to hold an annual multifamily/lodging license. The city inspects every licensed property at least once a year, including a representative sample of individual units.
(A) License required. (1) A person who rents or leases to another person three or more residential dwelling units that are part of a multifamily dwelling or who operates a lodging establishment must obtain and maintain a current and valid multifamily/lodging license issued in accordance with the provisions of this section.... (F)(3) No less than annually, the City shall inspect the multifamily dwelling or lodging establishment, including a representative sample of individual dwelling units or lodging rooms comprising a multifamily dwelling or lodging establishment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Applications go to the Director of Code Compliance by January 1; licenses run through December 31. Applying constitutes consent to inspection. The city inspects each property at least annually, sampling individual units, and charges a reinspection fee for the third and each later reinspection of an uncorrected violation. If life-safety or critical violations outnumber the units sampled, the licensee pays a surcharge of half the annual fee and faces a comprehensive inspection. Uncorrected violations can force a bond of twenty percent of appraised value, and the license can be revoked. Operating a multifamily dwelling or lodging establishment without a valid license is an offense.
Violations & Fines
Operating a multifamily dwelling or lodging establishment without a valid license is an offense. Third and later reinspections of an uncorrected violation carry per-unit fees; failing the annual inspection triggers a half-fee surcharge, a comprehensive inspection, possible bond, and revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do small landlords need a Garland multifamily license?
How often does Garland inspect licensed rental properties?
What happens if a property fails its annual inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
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Inspection Programs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle inspection programs.