Madison requires rental property registration and periodic inspections under MGO Chapter 27 Building Inspection. Owners must register rental units and allow code inspections to verify habitability and safety standards.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 27 establishes the rental property registration and inspection framework administered by the Building Inspection Division. Property owners renting dwelling units must register with the City and provide current contact information for a local agent available to respond to code issues. Rental inspections are triggered by complaints, systematic neighborhood sweeps, and change-of-ownership events. Inspectors verify compliance with the Property Maintenance Code covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, egress, heating, plumbing, structural integrity, and pest control. Wisconsin Act 76 (2013) and Act 317 (2018) limited some local rental inspection authority, but Madison retains complaint-based and systematic inspection powers. Failed inspections result in correction orders with specific deadlines. Landlords must also comply with lead-safe renovation rules under federal RRP regulations for pre-1978 housing, which applies to most Madison rental stock.
Operating unregistered rentals or refusing lawful inspection results in municipal citations. Unresolved code violations may lead to placarding and occupancy prohibition.
Madison, WI
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