Calling An Inspector

The renter can call local fire, health, housing, or energy inspectors to investigate whether there is a code violation in the unit. If an inspector finds a code violation in the unit, the inspector has authority to summon the owner to appear in court. The law provides protection for a renter if the owner attempts to evict the renter in retaliation for calling an inspector. Often, an inspector's report of a code violation is enough to convince a landlord to correct problems. Calling an inspector is a necessary first step to several of the other options described in the following sections.