The goals of the Habitability program are to:

  • Ensure that multi-family structures meet minimum standards for habitability
  • Establish programmatic inspection process to ensure all apartments are inspected on a 4-year cycle
  • Eliminate duplication of effort between City departments
  • Track progress of investigations

CONTACT

1002 Washington Ave., 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

832.394.8841
8 am to 4:30 pm

Habitability

The purpose of the ordinance is to ensure that all apartments with three or more units are registered and inspected on a regular basis, and meet minimum property standards.

The program is for three or more unit multi-tenant.

The Habitability group has identified these rental properties using a variety of sources, and will conduct inspections of these properties. Notices of violation will be issued to property owners for any rental property found in violation of the registration requirement.  Citations will be issued for failure to comply with the registration requirement and fines will range from $500 - $2,000.

The purpose of the inspection is to establish minimum habitability standards for multi-family buildings, including maintenance of proper operating conditions.

Registration is free and required by Chapter 10 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. The City charges a fee for inspecting the apartment complex. The Houston Permitting Center website has a fee schedule with current prices. To register an apartment, go to www.houstonmultifamily.org.

The owner must have a valid Harris County Tax Identification Number, a Certificate of Occupancy Number  and information related to the property.

No, duplexes and single family residences are handled by the Department of Neighborhoods.

Property issues include electrical, structural, and plumbing issues, as well as some swimming pools.


LEARN MORE ABOUT PERMIT TYPES

Click the link(s) below.