Marietta, GA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Section 8-12-28-090 requires an inspection for each rental property, dwelling or rooming unit before the city will license it, and the certificate of compliance procedure at Section 8-12-28-080(C) puts the cost on the operator, who must hire a rental housing inspector licensed by the city. The inspector checks compliance with the Marietta Code and with the standard building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, fire, energy, swimming pool and unsafe-building codes listed in subsection C, and separately certifies that heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment works safely.

For an apartment house or rooming house with more than 20 units, the business license manager may, on written request, substitute a random sample of at least 30 percent of the units, provided the units sampled represent the building's different unit types and locations; a Section 8 housing certificate less than 12 months old can also stand in for the inspection. The operator or an agent must accompany the inspector through the unit and unlock doors as required. If an inspection turns up violations, the business license manager issues a written correction order with a compliance deadline under Section 8-12-28-100(B), and the operator can get a temporary rental license, capped at 135 days, while repairs are completed.

Refusing an inspector entry when a search warrant has been issued under Section 8-12-28-160 is a separate offense under Section 8-12-28-170; the municipal judge issues those warrants on a sworn application showing probable cause.