Raleigh, NC Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Article G of Chapter 12 creates a permitting program for what the Code calls "probationary rental residential dwellings", units that trigger it through specific violations listed in § 12-2163(l), such as reoccupying a dwelling found unsafe, reoccupying before Housing Code compliance is certified, a third Nuisance Party or Prohibited Noises conviction within 24 months, overcrowding beyond zoning limits, unlawfully stored derelict vehicles, or a fourth notice of violation within 24 months. Once a dwelling qualifies, § 12-2164(a) makes it unlawful to rent, receive rental income from, or offer it for rent without a permit.

The application goes to the Inspections Department under oath with a non-refundable $200 fee, and the Department has 30 days to approve or deny it; a temporary permit issues automatically if no final decision is reached in that window. The permit fee itself is $300 for the first year and $500 annually thereafter, and the permit requirement runs for two years, extended another two years from the date of any violation during that period. To be released, the owner must go two full years without a violation of the § 12-2163(l) triggers or the § 12-2165 standards, and pass a final compliance inspection requested by the owner; if the owner doesn't request one within 90 days of expiration, Inspections will inspect anyway after notifying the owner and tenant.

Standards under § 12-2165 require the permittee to respond to Police, Fire, or Inspections contact within two business days, attend a City-approved residential management course in the first permit year, maintain a current occupant list, and obtain a § 10-6125(c) housing-code compliance certificate before re-renting a vacant unit with an unresolved violation notice, and the Public Utilities Department will withhold water service to such a unit until that certificate issues.