Rentwise! Chapter Four -- Chattanooga Housing Code

CHATTANOOGA HOUSING CODE AND THE BETTER HOUSING COMMISSION

Each housing unit in the city should meet health and safety standards set forth in ordinances governing plumbing, electrical and structural conditions. The Better Housing Commission enforces this code within city limits. Unfortunately, unincorporated areas in Hamilton County do not have a code or enforcement agency for substandard housing. Rural tenants must rely on provisions in the Landlord/Tenant Act.

Call an inspector only after you've written the landlord about serious dilapidation such as a rotting floor, or when he won't respond to a safety or health threat such as faulty wiring, plumbing, or sewer problems. The inspector will give the landlord a reasonable time to remedy a list of specific code violations. If this fails, the landlord may be cited to court and fined. Remember though, you may have to move on very short notice (10 days!) if the property is condemned or if repairs are substantial.

"Retaliatory Eviction" is illegal, but landlords can find ways to make tenants "pay" for reporting violations. The best time to file a complaint is after you've found another place to live, and just before vacating his unit. You may save the next tenant some pain. But . . . never think that you can avoid paying rent by reporting your landlord to an agency!

SOME CODE PROVISIONS:

• Safe & adequate wiring and electrical system
• Free-flowing water throughout plumbing system
• At least one window per room
• Hot & cold potable water
• Properly installed shower or tub
• At least 2 electrical outlets per room
• Porches, balconies and every stair in safe condition
• Sound roof which doesn't admit rain or dampness
• Safe solid walls, floors, ceilings, roofs
• Structure substantially rodent-proof
• One smoke detector per floor
• Safe lighted entryways and halls
• Weather tight walls and windows
• Operable locks on all doors and windows

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