Rental Inspections

Rental Inspection Ordinance & Rental Inspection Districts


The City of Portsmouth has adopted a new Rental Inspection Program applicable to Rental dwelling units located in rental inspection districts. The new program became effective July 1, 2005.

New Rental Program Highlights:


  • Rental Inspections are annual.
  • Exemptions can be approved for 4-years.
  • Initial inspection: $50.
  • Follow-up inspection and each subsequent re-inspection until violations have been corrected: $50.
  • Only 10% of multi-family dwellings will be inspected.
  • Rental Inspection Guidelines.
Areas outside rental inspection districts will not be required to get a rental inspection unless we observe or receive a valid complaint on any of these properties within a calendar year.

Maps & Forms


View the maps, which may be zoomed in on, of:
Please complete the form and fax it back with the appropriate signature(s) to the Manager of Code Enforcement 757-393-5108 or you may mail it to:
Department of Permits and Inspections
4th Floor
801 Crawford Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704

If your property is not located within the rental inspection districts (PDF) and you have an escrow account with us, submit a request in writing to the Manager of Code Enforcement for a refund of unused funds.