Your city's rental rules,
turned into a checklist.

A growing list, including Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Baltimore City and County, Philadelphia, Boulder, Fort Collins, Rochester (NY), Syracuse, Toledo, and Kansas City (MO), among others. We are actively researching more cities from their official sources. If your city is not listed yet, tell us and we will research it, and our lookup tool still gives you the exact questions to ask your city in the meantime.

A registration usually just puts your rental on file with the city. A license is a permit you must obtain (often renewed periodically, sometimes with a fee) before you can legally rent the unit. An inspection program adds a periodic or complaint-driven visit to check the unit against a checklist. Many cities combine two or three of these into one program. We explain which combination applies where we have verified it, and how to find out where we have not.

Programs vary, but checklists commonly cover smoke and carbon monoxide alarm placement, means of egress (windows and exits), electrical safety including GFCI outlets, handrails and guardrails, and heating equipment. Your city's own checklist is always the authoritative source; we frame our checklist as what is commonly covered so you can self-audit before the real inspection.

Fines vary widely by city and by violation, from modest administrative fees to ongoing daily penalties for unresolved violations. We list ranges where we have verified them for a specific city. For anything else, your city's rental licensing or code enforcement office can give you the exact fee schedule.

No. Your city's own checklist or inspector is always the authoritative source. This packet organizes and prepares you; it is a companion to your city's requirements, not a replacement for them.

No. This is a self-help packet. You use it to prepare and organize; you still submit any applications, registrations, or responses directly to your city yourself.

No. RentalPermitPath is an independent publisher of landlord compliance information, not a law firm. Always confirm current requirements with your city's rental licensing office before acting.