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DeKalb County, GA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Who inspects
Chief of police / authorized agents
Without consent
Requires warrant from DeKalb court
Basis
Authorized program or probable cause
Applies to
Unincorporated DeKalb County only

Summary

DeKalb's chief of police may inspect unincorporated dwellings and rental properties for code violations with consent or a warrant, including inspections that are part of a formally authorized inspection program.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Whenever necessary ... the chief of police may enter the building or structure during normal work hours with the consent of the owner or an inspection warrant to inspect the same ... The person seeking the warrant must establish under oath or affirmation that the property to be inspected is to be inspected as a part of a legally authorized program of inspection which includes that property or that there is probable cause for believing that there is a condition, object, activity, or circumstance which legally justifies such an inspection of that property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 18-61(b) lets the chief of police enter a building or structure for a code inspection with the owner's consent or an inspection warrant. Without consent, a warrant must come from a DeKalb magistrate or Superior/State Court judge, and the officer must show under oath that the property is part of a legally authorized inspection program or that probable cause justifies the inspection. This inspection authority covers unincorporated DeKalb only.

Violations & Fines

Refusing lawful entry does not itself void enforcement; underlying code violations found remain subject to fine/imprisonment under § 1-10, each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DeKalb inspect my rental without my permission?
Only with a warrant from a DeKalb magistrate or court, per § 18-61(b), based on an authorized inspection program or probable cause.
Does this inspection power reach incorporated cities like Decatur?
No, § 18-61 enforces the county's own property maintenance article, which applies only in unincorporated DeKalb County.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsTenant Complaint ProcessSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All DeKalb County rules

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