Reno, NV Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection frequency
- At least once per calendar year
- Scope
- Converted non-transient motels only
- Onsite manager
- Required for 12+ unit properties
- Rental restriction
- Can't rent past-due units
- Enforcement
- Reno Code Enforcement Division
Summary
Reno requires annual code inspections for non-transient lodging rental properties, former motels converted to long-term housing, and bars renting any unit that hasn't passed inspection within the past 12 months.
It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to ensure their units are inspected by the city at least once per calendar year.(c)All non-transient properties with 12 or more units shall have a motel manager living onsite with access to every room on the property so as to provide access for first responders and enforcement personnel.(d)All non-transient licensed property owners and motels managers shall be required to complete the City of Reno Hotel/Motel Crime Free Training at least once every 24 months.(e)All motel managers shall maintain a valid and active work card issued by the Reno Police Department. Proof of said work card shall be available during the annual inspection of the property.(f)Any owner or licensee of a non-transient property claiming an exemption from this chapter must subject their business license to auditing and provide proof their rental property is a motel or transient lodging property as defined in this chapter.(g)Non-transient lodging rental properties shall maintain a clean set of sheets and pillow cases accessible for tenants to interchange for replacement at least once a week. Laundromat services provided onsite for tenants may serve as an alternative. (Ord. No. 6482, § 1, 8-22-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Motel Inspection Program (MIP) under RMC Chapter 4.06 requires owners of non-transient lodging rental properties, motels converted to long-term occupancy, to have every unit inspected by the city at least once per calendar year (§ 4.06.100(b)). Properties with 12 or more units must keep an onsite motel manager holding a Reno Police Department work card (§ 4.06.100(c), (e)). It is unlawful to rent a vacant unit that hasn't received an annual inspection within the prior 12 months, or one under active enforcement until it passes inspection (§ 4.06.210(b)). The program does not cover ordinary transient (short-term) motels that pay transient lodging tax, nor typical rental housing outside this converted-motel category.
Violations & Fines
Renting an uninspected unit is a code violation; a dwelling failing city, fire, or property maintenance codes is declared a nuisance and subject to citation under RMC Chapters 1.05 and 8.22 (§ 4.06.210).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to all rental housing in Reno?
Can a landlord rent out a unit that failed inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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