Certificate of Compliance

Housing Certificates of Compliance
Upon successful completion of a housing inspection, a Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Building Department. Certificates of Compliance (C of C) are valid for a period of years depending on the occupancy classification of the building. Buildings that are classified as a 1- or 2-family dwelling can hold a valid C of C for a period of 5 years. Multiple dwellings (dwellings with 3 or more units or individual units with 6 or more unrelated persons) can hold a valid C of C for a period of 3 years. Dormitories, Fraternities, and Sororities can hold a valid C of C for a period of 1 year.

It is the responsibility of the owner of the rental property to schedule a housing inspection with the Building Department prior to the expiration of the C of C in order to maintain a current Certificate of Compliance.

Inspection Scheduling
Housing inspections must be scheduled by the property owner or agent prior to the expiration of the Certificate of Compliance. To schedule an inspection, call the Building Department at 607-274-6508, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday to request a housing inspection.  

Confirmation Letter
A confirmation letter will be sent to you confirming the property address, date, and time of the inspection. If there is a scheduling conflict or you are unable to meet the inspector, notice is required to be given 7 days prior to the scheduled inspection date. Missed or canceled appointments, without the 7 day notice, will incur a $40 charge. Please review the material that is enclosed with the confirmation letter, to prepare your property for the inspection.

Inspection Preparation

The housing inspection process is a visual inspection of your property. We look at the exterior and interior condition of the building and the property. Included in the inspection is the inspection of the systems contained within the building including; structure, exterior protection, fire protection, egress, HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, fire separations, and fire penetrations. We review your property file for compliance with applicable codes; including the housing code, building code, zoning, and other applicable codes.

The purpose of the inspection is to verify that all of the systems contained in the building, and the structures that are on the property, are in good condition and in compliance with the applicable codes.