The following announcement is from Stan Laverman, Iowa City Senior Housing Inspector:
Housing Inspection Update, Self-Certification Option
In March 2020 Iowa City Housing Inspections suspended the systematic interior inspection of occupied rental properties as one of the responses to COVID19. This was done to protect everyone from the inspector to the property manager, maintenance technician, and tenants who would typically be involved in an interior rental inspection from exposure to the COVID19 virus.
We are currently developing our protocols for restarting interior rental inspections while maintaining new COVID19 guidelines. While those protocols have not been finalized, we anticipate the following will be put in place:
- Maintain social distancing. Anyone present must keep 6 feet of space between them.
- Wear a mask if you intend to be present during the inspection. You may excuse yourself and wait outside while the inspection is completed if you’re not comfortable in the presence of others or if you choose not to wear a mask.
- Our inspectors will be taking precautions to prevent the spread, but we ask that if you have ANY symptoms, please call us at 319.356.5130. We will reschedule the inspection in a minimum of 14 days.
- Following your inspection, please contact us if you have concerns or if you develop any symptoms.
This remains a fluid situation, and a hard restart date has not been set. However, I don’t anticipate it happening before July 1.
In the interim, Iowa City Housing Inspection will allow property managers in good standing who have expired rental permits to submit a self-certification webform to complete their rental permit renewal process. By using the attached link, property managers will be able to self-certify the interior portion of their rental properties: https://www8.iowa-city.org/Forms/rentalchecklist. The assigned city inspector will conduct an exterior inspection and will be in touch with you to complete the process for the interior portion of the rental property. This process is a partnership between all parties involved to verify the safety of Iowa City’s rental properties while dealing with the impacts of COVID19. We would encourage property managers to work with their tenants to complete this process in a way that limits the need for direct contact between individuals. It is acceptable for tenants of single-family and duplex units to fill out the webform if they have a basic understanding of what is required. Iowa City Housing Inspection staff can also be available virtually over a variety of platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Facetime) to assist.
It is our intention to follow up in mid-September with tenants of properties that were self-certified to verify that their properties have remained in compliance. Housing Inspection staff feels this entire process is an appropriate response that balances our need to verify that basic housing code standards are met while adjusting for the limitations needed because of the COVID19 pandemic.
If you have concerns related please reach out to me @ 319-356-5135 or by email [email protected]
Thank you- Stan Laverman, Senior Housing Inspector