City Inspector Just Created A Million Things to Do

[Steve DellaPelle]

I had my city inspection today to receive a rental permit and it did NOT go as planned. I spent the last month doing renovations and I got my unit looking GREAT (at least what I thought)...

City inspector comes in to check if everything conforms to "The Sanitary Code, Article II, Minimum Standard of Fitness for Health under Human Habitation," adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health".

There are such small things like:

- Piece of tile in front of tub is slightly loose

- Furnace has rust

- Base of tub needs new caulk

- Window screen has a slight tear in it

- etc. etc. etc.

Can they really force me to fix every single little thing? Are these even relevant to the codes? I feel like my world was turned upside down as I have interested renters and now the timetable is of course being pushed back.

Anyone have similar issues dealing with their city?

[Matthew Rowell]

They can do what they want, but in my opinion, use this as an opportunity to show the inspector how badass you are, so future deals will go smoothly.

Meaning, get your hustle on addressing those little things and be the squeaky wheel letting him know you're crushing it.

It's his/her game, you just need to learn how to play it to your advantage. Fighting will likely lead to longer timelines and more headaches.