View the Housing Inspection List

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Executive Summary

This document outlines a comprehensive list of common housing inspection violations that property owners in Westville should address when applying for a housing inspection. The aim is to guide applicants on typical issues requiring attention to ensure compliance with housing standards. The violations are categorized into several areas including general exterior and interior maintenance, structural integrity, and public safety. Key exterior requirements cover items such as debris removal, repair of sidewalks and accessory structures, maintenance of pools and vehicles, and protection of exterior surfaces from elements or decay. Interior requirements address issues like pest infestations, proper means of egress, ventilation, functional plumbing, electrical systems, and the need for appropriate permits for work completed. Furthermore, the document details critical fire and safety requirements, specifically focusing on the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors (10-year sealed battery type, hardwired where applicable, and within specific distances of bedrooms), carbon monoxide detectors, and the proper placement and type of fire extinguishers. This list serves as a checklist for property owners to prepare for housing inspections.

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--- Document: View the Housing Inspection List Document ---
GENERAL HOUSING INSPECTIONS LIST 
 
When applying for a housing inspection, the following most common housing inspection 
violations. 
 
• Remove exterior or interior trash & debris from property 
• Repair/replace sidewalks, walkway, steps or driveway to avoid tripping hazards 
• Remove high growth of grass and weeds 
• Repair/replace exterior exhaust vent covers 
• Accessory structure (i.e. garages, fences, walls, etc.) must be maintained structurally 
sound and in good repair 
• Remove sources of standing water 
• Swimming pool must be maintained in clean and sanitary condition and in good repair 
• Motor vehicles may not be in a state of major disassembly or disrepair 
• Exterior wood surfaces must be protected from the elements and free from decay 
• Scrape and paint any peeling, chipping or flaking paint 
• Repair/replace missing or broken siding or shingles 
• Scrape and reglaze windows 
• Repair broken window glass 
• Scrape and paint any rusted or corroded metal surfaces 
• Dwelling must have address numbers and unit identification numbers visible from street 
• Foundation walls must be plumb and free from open cracks and breaks 
• Exterior walls shall be free from holes, loose or rotting materials 
• Structural members must be maintained free from deterioration 
• Roofs and flashing must be free from defects 
• Gutters and downspouts must be in good repair and free from obstructions 
• Steps, stairways, decks and balconies shall be maintained structurally sound and in good 
repair 
• Exterior and interior steps with three (3) or more risers require a graspable handrail 
• Guard rails are required with a drop of 30 or more inches 
• Chimneys must be maintained structurally sound and in good repair 
• Windows must open easily and be held in open position by the window hardware 
• Operable windows must have tight fitting screens free from holes 
• Exterior doors must be maintained in good condition and may not have key latch to exit 
dwelling 
• Interior surfaces must be free from defects including chipping, flaking paint 
• Doors must fit reasonably well within its frame, be free from defects and open and close 
easily 


• If evidence of insect or rodent infestations exists – proof must be provided of proper 
extermination 
• Bedrooms must have two (2) means of egress (i.e.  1 door & 1 window) 
• Bathrooms and toilet rooms must be equipped with at least one (1) window or an 
approved mechanical ventilation system discharged appropriately to the outdoors 
• Plumbing fixtures must be properly installed and maintained in a sanitary, working order 
and be free from defects 
• Water heaters must be properly installed and capable of providing an adequate amount 
of water at a temperature not less than 120 degrees 
• Water heaters must have manufacturers approved discharge pipe – between 2-6” from 
floor 
• Drainage of roofs and other drainage sources must not be discharged in a manner that 
creates a public nuisance or within 8’ of a neighboring property 
• Heating supply must be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condition 
• All fuel burning appliances and equipment shall be clear of combustible material 
• All electrical equipment, appliances and wiring must be properly installed and 
maintained in a safe approved manner 
• Work completed on/in dwelling without obtaining appropriate permits will require 
permits be obtained and final inspections completed 
• Appliances must be plugged into grounded outlet 
• GFCI outlets required by kitchen sink, utility sinks, bathrooms, sump pumps and exterior 
property 
 
FIRE ALARMS AND EXTINGUISHERS 
• Each level of a dwelling shall have an approved 10 year sealed battery smoke detector 
mounted according to manufacturer’s directions.  In dwellings and units in which hard 
wired smoke alarms exist the system must remain hardwired 
• An approved 10 year sealed battery smoke alarm must be installed in each bedroom & 1 
within 10 feet of every bedroom.  A carbon monoxide (CO) must be installed outside 
each bedroom area within 10’ 
• Fire extinguisher required – no smaller than 2A10BC, mounted with original hardware – 
within 10’ of kitchen – on a way to escape route – not higher than 5’ from floor – must 
be visible, not blocked by furniture or door