DIY Landlords A Guide to Renewing Your Rental License as a Property Owner In this article, we walk you through each step of the rental license renewal process and best practices to prepare for your inspection. Dominique Swanson May 5, 2026 That time of year has come around once more where rental property owners have to renew their rental license. For seasoned property managers, this is just another administrative task to check off their list. But for new owners, navigating the renewal of your properties rental license can be confusing and challenging. In this article, we walk you through each step of the rental license renewal process and best practices to prepare for your inspection. Understand the Rental License Renewal Process Rental properties have to be licensed through your local city or county. In some areas, this may need to be renewed annually, whereas others only require a property owner to renew every few years. Your current rental housing license, which should be displayed at all times, will reflect an expiration date. Once you are within 60 days of your license expiration, you will want to submit your application for renewal. Here is a brief overview of the renewal process: Once you are within 60 days of your license expiration, complete the renewal application either online or send it in via mail by the due date. Pay the renewal rental license fee and the inspection fee online or by mail. Once your application is approved, schedule the rental inspection with the city inspector. Provide any required documents, such as furnace inspection reports from a licensed contractor, to the city should they require it. How to Submit Your Renewal Application for a Rental Property License Now that you know how the renewal process works, it’s time to submit your rental license application. If submitting online: Create an account with the local government or housing authority’s portal (if applicable). Complete the renewal application form, ensuring all information is accurate and up to date. Pay the renewal fee, which can often be done through an online payment portal. If submitting by mail or in person: Fill out the paper application and attach all necessary documentation. Pay the renewal fee through check or money order. Review Your Current Rental Property’s Condition While you wait for your application to be approved, check your rental units for any major repairs and code compliance that could be potentially flagged by an inspector. Doing your own inspection prior to the municipality's inspector coming is incredibly beneficial for you to get ahead of any maintenance or fire and safety issues. Here are a few areas to inspect in your rental housing: Electrical systems: Ensure there are no exposed wires, and all electrical systems are functioning correctly. Plumbing: Check for leaks, water pressure issues, or any potential hazards like mold from water damage. Fire safety: Verify that smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are properly installed and functioning. Structural integrity: Check for issues like loose handrails, cracks in walls, or any other structural concerns. General cleanliness and maintenance: Ensure that the property is in good repair and that any areas needing maintenance or cleaning are addressed. If you fail your inspection with the city, not only does it delay your renewal, but you often have to pay a re-inspection fee. Schedule Any Necessary Inspections Local authorities typically inspect properties to ensure they meet standards, and passing these inspections will be a licensing requirement to own a residential rental. Once your application is approved, it’s time to schedule for the city inspector to do a walk through of your property. These inspections typically cover health, safety, and zoning codes. If the inspector finds that you are in violation of any city codes, they will require you to fix the issue and often schedule a re-inspection before actually issuing your new rental license. If you fail your inspection, you will need to work with your property maintenance team and any vendors necessary to correct the code violations by the re-inspection date. If you pass your inspection, your property license will be sent to you via mail. Once you know the date of your inspection, make sure you notify your renters that you may be entering their apartment to check smoke detectors, water heaters, HVAC units, carbon monoxide detectors, pipes, and any other relevant equipment. Display Your Rental License Once you have received your renewed rental license, make sure it is displayed in a visible area within the residential property, as required by law. This is important for compliance and demonstrates that you are operating within the legal framework. The Bottom Line By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure that your rental license renewal process goes smoothly and that your property remains compliant with local laws. Regularly maintaining your property, and adhering to safety standards will help you avoid costly fines and ensure a positive rental experience for both you and your tenants. DIY Landlords
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