FAQs • DeSoto • CivicEngage

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Does someone have to be present during the inspection?: Yes. City inspector(s) will require the tenant, property owner or other representative to be present throughout the inspection.

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Rental Registration

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1. When will the Rental Registration and Inspection Program begin?: The program is developed to register rental properties in order to adhere to established guidelines for minimum standards and property maintenance in the community. The program was adopted February 23, 2021 by City Council under Ordinance Sec. 3.2304 and will launch in September 2021.

2. Why did the City adopt a rental program?: To address the needs of an aging housing inventory in DeSoto as well as address complaints which are regularly received by the City regarding housing structure and code violations.

3. Does the program apply to all rental properties?: Yes. The program applies to all single-family, two-family/duplex, multi-family, townhomes, and manufactured homes which are rental properties.

4. Do I have to have my rental property inspected annually?: Yes. Each unit must be inspected annually.

5. Do I have to register my rental property annually?: No. If there have been no changes in tenant or ownership you do not have to register each year.

6. What happens if I fail to register my property?: Each violation of Ordinance Sec. 3.2304 is punishable by fines up to $500 per day for each day the violation occurs. Each day can be determined as a separate offense.

7. Do I have to schedule my inspection or is it unannounced?: You will need to schedule the inspection. Only exterior inspections will occur without advance notice.

8. Who is responsible for paying the registration fee?: The city will require the property owner to pay the fee(s).

9. Will the inspector inspect the interior of my rental property?: Yes. A checklist can be found on the registration web page under “Informational Forms”.

10. I’ve retained a property management company, will the city contact me directly or will they contact my property management company?: The Rental Registration Form requires a primary contact name and phone number. It is up to the property owner to identify the proper point of contact regarding the property.

11. I’ve owned a rental property in DeSoto for years – am I Grandfathered and exempt from the new ordinance?: No. All rental properties are subject to these regulations.

12. Does someone have to be present during the inspection?: Yes. City inspector(s) will require the tenant, property owner or other representative to be present throughout the inspection.

13. What if I have code enforcement violations? Do they have to comply also?: Yes. Code violations are a part of the inspections. See “checklist” for most common violations.