Springfield, MO Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard used
- adopted International Property Maintenance Code
- Checklist
- BDS 'Rental Inspection Items' document
- Governing section
- City Code § 75-16
- Scope
- West Central Neighborhood pilot only
Summary
Within its West Central Neighborhood rental pilot, Springfield, Missouri judges a rental dwelling's condition against a defined checklist of adopted International Property Maintenance Code items, not a separate, freestanding habitability code.
A dwelling unit violates this chapter if it violates any of the enumerated excerpts from the currently adopted International Property Maintenance Code as such excerpts appear in the most recent document on file with the city clerk called "Rental Inspection Items." According to BDS expertise, BDS may change the content in the "Rental Inspection Items" document as necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare if the changes are consistent with the currently adopted International Property Maintenance Code.(b)An owner violates this chapter for doing any act this chapter proscribes or failing to do any act this chapter prescribes. (G.O. No. 6961, § 1(Exh. A), 11-3-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 75-16 defines a habitability violation for covered rentals by reference: a dwelling unit violates Chapter 75 if it violates any enumerated excerpts from the currently adopted International Property Maintenance Code as listed in the city's 'Rental Inspection Items' document on file with the city clerk, which Building Development Services (BDS) may update to track the adopted IPMC. This standard, adopted by G.O. No. 6961 (Nov. 3, 2025), currently reaches only single-family and duplex rentals in the West Central Neighborhood pilot under § 75-1. Springfield, Missouri has not adopted a separate, freestanding habitability code for rentals outside that pilot footprint.
Violations & Fines
A licensed rental dwelling unit failing to meet any item listed in BDS's 'Rental Inspection Items' checklist drawn from the adopted International Property Maintenance Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield have a habitability code for rentals?
Who decides what counts as a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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