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Winston-Salem, NC Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

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

Key Facts

Minimum heat
68°F in habitable rooms
Enforced by
Housing conservation administrator
First-day penalty
$350 civil fine
Continuing penalty
$100 per day
Inspection trigger
Complaint or reasonable cause

Summary

Winston-Salem's housing code requires every rental dwelling to have a heating unit capable of warming habitable rooms to 68°F, and bars occupancy of any unit that meets the code's 14-item definition of unfit for human habitation.

Every dwelling and dwelling unit shall be provided with a heating unit which is properly designed, installed and balanced or adjusted, maintained in good and safe condition and which is capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms and water compartments located therein to a temperature of 68°F (20°C).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).

Full Breakdown

The city's housing code (Code of Ordinances ch. 10, art. VI) makes owners responsible for keeping rental units compliant with Sec. 10-197's space, light, plumbing, electrical, structural, and heating standards, including a heating unit able to reach 68°F (20°C) in every habitable room, bathroom, and water compartment; portable heaters cannot serve as the primary heat source. Sec. 10-196(c) prohibits occupying or renting out any dwelling that meets Sec. 10-193's 14-factor definition of "unfit for human habitation," covering failing walls, inadequate egress, and missing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. The housing conservation administrator inspects on complaint, visible violation, or a landlord's history of two or more verified violations within 12 months.

Violations & Fines

Owners who miss a repair-or-vacate deadline face a $350 civil penalty the first day and $100 per day after; occupying a dwelling posted "unfit for human habitation" is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Sec. 10-204.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Winston-Salem landlord have to provide heat?
Yes. Sec. 10-197(e)(1) requires a heating unit that can heat every habitable room, bathroom, and water compartment to 68°F; portable heaters can't be the primary source.
What happens if my rental is ruled unfit for human habitation?
The city orders repairs or vacate-and-close under Sec. 10-203; occupying a dwelling posted as unfit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Sec. 10-204.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Winston-Salem

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All Winston-Salem rules

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