Roanoke, VA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Rental inspection districts
- 5: SW, NW, SE, Eastern Ave, Williamson Rd
- Multifamily sample size
- 2%-10% of units (10+ unit developments)
- Reinspection frequency
- No more than once per calendar year
- Appeal window
- 14 calendar days
Summary
Roanoke inspects rental housing through five designated rental inspection districts: Southwest, Northwest, Southeast, Eastern Avenue N.E., and Williamson Road N.E. The city manager conducts initial inspections, samples two to ten percent of units in larger multifamily developments, and, once a unit is certified, can inspect it again no more than once a calendar year under sections 7-34, 7-38, and 7-41.
(c)There are hereby created rental inspection districts pursuant to section 36-105.1:1 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended... (b)Subsection (a) of this section notwithstanding, if a multifamily development has more than ten (10) dwelling units, the city manager may inspect not less than two (2) and not more than ten (10) percent of such dwelling units in the multifamily development. ... following the initial inspection of a residential rental dwelling unit subject to this article, the city manager may inspect a residential rental dwelling unit subject to this article, which is not otherwise exempt from this article, no more than once each calendar year.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 94 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
rental inspection districts, each mapped on engineering plans dated April 15, 2019 and kept on file with the city engineer and city clerk. Inside those districts, section 7-38 lets the city manager conduct an initial inspection of a rental unit to check compliance with the building code provisions affecting safe, decent, and sanitary living conditions; for a multifamily development with more than ten units, the city manager may sample not less than two and not more than ten percent of the units, and can expand the inspection to as many units as necessary if that sample turns up violations.
Section 7-39 exempts a unit that passes inspection clean from further inspections for four years by issuing a rental certificate of compliance, and section 7-40 lets the city manager order follow-up inspections until a noncompliant unit is brought into line. Once a unit clears its initial inspection, section 7-41 limits routine reinspection to no more than once each calendar year. Owners can appeal an inspection determination to the building maintenance code official within fourteen calendar days under section 7-45, and the official must meet with the owner within five business days and rule within another five business days after that.
Violations & Fines
Renting a unit inside an inspection district while it stands in violation of the building maintenance code exposes the owner to inspection findings that can trigger follow-up inspections under section 7-40, certificate revocation under section 7-39(c) with written notice, and, per section 7-48, it becomes unlawful to keep renting the unit until it's brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parts of Roanoke are in a rental inspection district?
How does the city inspect a large apartment complex?
How often can Roanoke reinspect my rental property?
Can I appeal a Roanoke rental inspection finding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roanoke
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