How an inspection is requested:

1. The landlord may request an inspection.
2. A complaint can be made by the tenant.
3. A referral may be made by any government agency.
4. A petition signed by five residents of Greensboro.
5. An inspector initiates inspection.

An inspector investigates when:

1. The inspector validates or dismisses the complaint.
2. In emergency cases, where it appears there is immediate danger to the life or safety of any person or to the safety of other property unless the structure is immediately repaired or demolished, the inspector shall order the structure vacated.
3. Some situations require immediate attention on behalf of the owner / tenant and the inspector shall impose a 48-hour vacate notice. These circumstances are:

• Inoperable plumbing
• Unsafe wiring
• Dangerous cooking or heating
• Fuel storage tanks and/or supply lines.

When owner is notified:

1. Owners are notified of the violations and are given a date to appear for a hearing at least 10 days and not more than 30 days after service of notice.

Hearing

1. At the hearing, owners, tenants, and / or anyone signing the petition are allowed to file an answer to the complaint.

Order to repair is issued

1. If, after the hearing, the inspector determines the building is unfit for habitation, then the inspector shall issue an order to repair or demolish the building.
2. The order is mailed at least 45 days before the inspector requires the building to be repaired or demolished.

Re-Inspection takes place:

1. The order requires the owner to correct the violations within a timeframe set by the inspector, at least 30 days but not more than 270 days. After the time limit of the order has expired the inspector does another site visit to verify that the work has begun.

Property is closed when:

1. The owner is sent a "Letter of Condemnation" stating that it shall be unlawful to occupy the property.
2. A "Building Condemned" sign is posted at the main entrance to the structure and gives the tenant a 30-day notice to vacate the property.