High Point, NC Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Section 9-2-100 sets the minimum standards the city's Minimum Housing Code inspector uses to judge whether a dwelling is fit for human habitation. Subsection (a)(3) lists the services every dwelling must provide: a continuing supply of safe and portable water; sanitary facilities and a safe method of sewage disposal; heating facilities adequate for healthful and comfortable living conditions; domestic hot water; and electricity for lighting and equipment used in the dwelling. The same section requires each unit's utilities to run independently of neighboring premises under subsection (a)(2), unless a shared gas or water line is protected by a permanent easement, individual shut-off valves and continued utility ownership of the common line.

Falling short of the § 9-2-100(a) service standards, together with related defects, lets the inspector find under § 9-2-104 that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation, a finding that under § 9-2-105 follows a preliminary inspection, a written complaint, and a hearing held not less than 10 nor more than 30 days after service. If the inspector determines the dwelling unfit, § 9-2-105(d) orders the owner to repair within a set period not exceeding 30 days if repair costs 65 percent or less of the dwelling's value, or to demolish it if repair would cost more, with up to 90 additional days available on a showing of substantial compliance or a signed repair contract.

Appeals from any inspector order go to the board of adjustment within 10 days under § 9-2-107, and from there to superior court by certiorari within 15 days.