Single-family rental inspection concerns may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Driveways/Walkways – All must be maintained to prevent damage to person or property.
2. Electrical – Safety receptacle covers must be provided and be secured, outlets must be properly wired, breaker boxes must be correctly wired, breaker boxes must not have gaps or missing covers and there must be proper maintenance of any air conditioning and heating units.
3. Exterior Doors – Each exterior door on the dwelling is required to have:
   • A. A doorknob lock or keyed dead bolt; and
   • A keyless bolting device and a door viewer.  This is usually a keyless deadbolt lock that is operable only by knob or lever from the door’s interior and not in any manner from the door’s exterior.  Keyless bolting devices must meet the requirements of the Texas Property Code, Title 8, Chapter 92 Subchapter D-Security Devices.  
   • Two of the following locking devices on each sliding glass door – handle latch, security bar or sliding door pin lock
4. Exterior light fixtures – Any open exterior light sockets must be properly covered or have exterior light bulbs installed in the socket.
5. Plumbing – Any damaged plumbing, leaking faucets or pipes, irrigation leaks causing standing water, faulty sewer lines, etc. must be repaired.  Water heaters must be property installed and maintained.
6. Roofs – Roof coverings must be maintained free of defects.  Any broken or missing shingles must be replaced and match the texture and color of surrounding shingles.
7. Sanitation – Eliminate any accumulation of standing water, trash and debris, and mold. Walking paths to all exits must be clear.  Provide regular pest extermination as needed.  Seal all holes and gaps in interior walls and ceilings, including under sinks where pipes enter the walls.
8. Smoke Alarms – Smoke alarms must be tested to be operational.  State law requires there to be an operable smoke alarm inside each bedroom.  There must also be an operable smoke alarm in the corridor/hallway in the vicinity to the bedrooms.  Finally, there must be an operable smoke alarm on each floor/level.
9. Stairs, sidewalks, handrails, guardrails – All must be secured, without any tripping hazards, free from debris and all spindles must be in place.
10. Structural integrity – Roofs, patios, supports, walkways, walls, soffits, eaves, stairways, and foundations must be structurally sound.
11. Weatherproofing – There should not be rust and deterioration on the exterior surfaces of the house and/or any accessory structures.  Weather sealant, stain or paint should be provided to patio covers, arbors, guardrails, handrails, doors, trim, siding, walls and any other exterior surfaces.  Holes, gaps and/or cracks at the exterior walls, windows, doors foundations, soffits, eaves and roofs should be sealed. 
12. Windows – All windows must be weather sealed.  Cracked or broken windows must be replaced.  Windows designed to be opened must be operational and have screens.  All windows must have an approved window latch/locking devices.
13. General Premises – The property must be maintained free of trash and debris.  The lawn must be maintained to a height of 10” or less in height.  Any missing, broken or rotted fence pickets must be replaced.  All vehicles in public view must be legally parked, on an improved surface  and maintained in an operable condition.

Property owners are required to maintain the interior of each rental home in compliance with codes and ordinances although an interior inspection may not be completed each year at the property.