Jackson, MS Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

The city's Rental Registration Program, added to City Code Article XII in 2022, ties inspection intensity to property size. Under § 26-525(a), once an owner files a completed application and pays the required fee, the department of planning and development has up to 60 days to notify the owner of an inspection date and time. Section 26-525(b) then sets the sampling rate: properties with one to four units get 100 percent of units inspected; five-to-29-unit properties get at least 20 percent inspected; 30-to-49-unit properties get at least 15 percent inspected; and properties with 50 or more units get at least ten percent inspected.

If a unit fails its initial inspection, § 26-525(c) requires the department to notify the owner in writing of the deficiencies within ten business days, and gives the owner 45 days from that notice to schedule a second inspection; missing that window puts the unit out of compliance until it passes a later inspection. Under § 26-525(d), an owner denied a certificate of compliance after a fourth failed inspection can appeal in writing to the director of planning within 30 days of the failed inspection, and the director may personally reinspect to decide pass or fail. Section 26-525(e) requires city officials to obtain consent, a lawful warrant, or other legal authority before entering a unit to inspect; if entry is refused, the city applies to a judicial officer for a warrant under constitutional standards.