Development Services
Housing Code & Inspections
The purpose of the Housing Code of the City of Asheville is to remedy and prevent the decay and deterioration of places of human habitation by providing minimum requirements for the protection of life, health, welfare, safety, and property. All dwellings in the city must be maintained to the minimum standards set forth in the code. The City of Asheville's Housing Code User's Guide gives additional information about the Housing Code.
The ordinance specifies the following degrees of compliance:
LANDLORDS – All rental property must have a Housing Certificate or a Certificate of Occupancy issued on or after July 1, 1994. All property must be maintained so that it is compliant with the Minimum Standards of the Housing Code. The City of Asheville encourages landlords and tenants to use a written report (Tenant-Landlord Walk Through Form) when dwelling units are rented so that both parties are aware of the condition of the dwelling unit. The city also encourages landlords to respond promptly to tenant notification of needed repairs, particularly when the issue pertains to the Housing Code.
TENANTS – Dwelling units must meet the Minimum Standards of the Housing Code, which is the responsibility of the landlord. Tenants are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the unit and reporting problems to the landlord. The Housing Code standards may be found in the User's Guide to the Housinig Code. Tenants may call the Housing Office at (828) 259-5764 with specific questions. The cityrecommends tenants notify the landlord in writing of problems with the dwelling by using a Tenant Request for Repair form. The landlord needs to have a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs. However, if the landlord fails to make repairs, the tenant may lodge a complaintagainst the landlord. The Housing Office will require compliance with the Housing Code.
PRIMARY RESIDENCES – At the change of occupancy, owners are required to have a Housing Certificate, a Certificate of Occupancy, or a Life Safety Letter of Compliance issued on or after July 1, 1994. A Life Safety Review means that the house appears safe for habitation. All properties within the city must be maintained to the standards of the Minimum Housing Code (4-210). If any owner wishes to use the dwelling as a rental unit, they must be sure that they have the required Housing Certificate.
Deteriorated and Dilapidated Properties - The Housing Office should be notified of any property that is substandard. Additionally, any group of 5 or more citizens may petition the Housing Office to investigate a property that does not meet the standards of the Housing Code.
Housing Code Changes - Effective March 5, 2008 changes have been implemented to assist homeowners who are selling and/or reoccupying a dwelling in the City or the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction areas) that was constructed on or after July 1994. These changes are specific to the requirements for Certificates of Occupancy. A complete description of the Housing Code Changes is available online or from the Housing Office.
The Housing Certificate Flow Chart outlines the Housing Certificate and Life Safety Letter process from beginning to end.
To search the Asheville Housing Code Certificate Directory, please visit this page.
Contact Information
Division: Building Safety Department / Housing
Name: Marlene Frisbee
Location: Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte Street
Mailing: Post Office Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
Phone: (828) 259-5967
E-mail: mfrisbee@ashevillenc.gov