Penn Hills, PA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Each change of tenant/occupant
- Timeline
- Inspection within 10 days of notice
- Who Inspects
- Code Enforcement Officer
- Purpose
- Confirms zoning, building, fire compliance
Summary
Penn Hills requires a Code Enforcement inspection of every regulated rental unit each time tenants or occupants change, tied to the certificate of use, occupancy and compliance process under Chapter 1433 and § 1262.05.
The applicant for a certificate required by Subsection (a)(2) hereof shall notify the Department of Code Enforcement of the date upon which such change of tenants or occupants shall take place, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the building or structure involved within 10 days of such notice.
(d) Issuance of Certificates.
(1) A temporary certificate of use, occupancy and compliance may be issued by the Code Enforcement Officer for a period not to exceed one month during alterations or partial occupancy of a building pending its completion, provided such temporary certificate may require such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public.
(2) Upon inspection of land, building, or premises to determine whether or not a certificate of use, occupancy, and compliance, required by Subsection (a)(1) hereof, shall be issued, if the Code Enforcement Officer shall find that such construction, alteration, or erection is in accordance with this Zoning Code, a certificate of use, occupancy and compliance shall be issued. Written notice shall be given to the applicant stating why a certificate cannot be issued when the Code Enforcement Officer finds that such construction, alteration, or erection is not in accordance with this Zoning Code.
(3)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4434863; v5 updated 2025-07-21; through 07-21-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under § 1262.05(c) of the Municipality's Code, referenced by the Landlord Registration Ordinance at § 1433.04(a)(1), a rental owner must notify the Department of Code Enforcement of the date a change of tenants or occupants will occur, and the Code Enforcement Officer must inspect the building or structure within 10 days of that notice. The inspection determines whether the unit still conforms to the grading and zoning ordinances and the building and fire codes before a new certificate of use, occupancy and compliance can issue. This creates a turnover-triggered inspection cycle for every regulated rental unit in the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: inspections happen at each tenant change, not on a fixed calendar.
Violations & Fines
Occupying or renting a unit without the required certificate and turnover inspection violates §§ 1262.05 and 1433, enforceable through Code Enforcement citation and the penalties set out in § 1433.05.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Penn Hills inspect rental units before a new tenant moves in?
Is the inspection required for every tenant change or just periodically?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Penn Hills
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Inspection Programs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle inspection programs.