Common Inspection Problems

Smoke detectors need to be in good working order in every bedroom, kitchen, TV room and hallway.  Inspectors will check every detector.

All exit signs and fire extinguishers must be in good working order.

Storage in hallways and stairs needs to be removed.  The City is very strict about this.

Doors need to self close and latch.  Any door that does not do so of its own volition needs to be repaired.  Hallway closet doors need to stay in their guides.  Bathroom and shower doors do not need to close automatically.  In fact, we ask that all door closers be removed from these doors.

Ventilation locks must be installed on all windows accessible from the ground or fire escapes.

Lights and switches must function properly.  3-way switches must be fully functional from both switches.

Electrical outlets must be properly wired.  Non-grounded 3-prong outlets must have a GFCI.  All outlets near water (kitchens and bathrooms) must have a GFCI.

Extension cords can be no longer than 6 ft long and cannot be plugged into one another.  They can not be rated over 15 amps.  Extension cords crossing doorways along the floor are prohibited.

Holes or damages to drywall need to be properly repaired.   Check behind doors and invest in doorstops (good, heavy-duty ones) where applicable.

Cable or pipe penetrations need to be firestopped with fire-caulk.

Clean out all vents and bath fans.  This means taking off the covers and cleaning out all that dust, not just making the grill spotless.

Mold and mildew should disappear from bath enclosures.  Badly affected caulk must be removed and new caulk applied.  Caulk, if broken or missing from your sinks and baths, must be removed and new caulk applied.