Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.14 § 15.14.050
Non-exempt unit inspections
Operative Text
All non-exempt rental units must be inspected at least once every three years. In order to develop the inspection plan for the first year, and subsequent years of the three years inspections cycle, the inspectional services department shall utilize data that may include, but shall not be limited to, inspection records, court records, documented constituent complaints, and any information related to the status of the property with the city or compiled by the city to prioritize a list of properties for inspection in each neighborhood. Based on this inspection plan, the inspectional services department will notify the owner to schedule an inspection appointment. Once notified by the inspectional services department, the owner must respond within 30 days to schedule an inspection appointment. The procedures and fees for such inspections are set forth in section 15.14.070 of this chapter. The director may waive or temporarily defer the inspection requirement for rental units which have received an equivalent inspection by the inspectional service department within three years.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.14 § 15.14.050, every non-exempt rental unit in Lawrence must undergo an inspection at least once every three years. The Inspectional Services Department builds its inspection schedule using a range of data sources—such as prior inspection records, court records, and resident complaints—to prioritize properties neighborhood by neighborhood. Once an owner receives notice to schedule an inspection, they have 30 days to respond, and the department retains discretion to waive or defer the requirement if an equivalent inspection has already occurred within the three-year window.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.14 § 15.14.050 places a recurring compliance obligation on owners of non-exempt rental units, requiring an inspection at least once every three years. Operators who stay current generally maintain organized records of prior inspections, respond promptly to any scheduling notice from the Inspectional Services Department within the 30-day window, and review the fee and procedural requirements outlined in § 15.14.070. Owners who have recently undergone an equivalent city inspection may wish to inquire with the department about a potential waiver or deferral under the provision's discretionary exception.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.14 § 15.14.050 establishes a right for tenants in non-exempt rental units to have their homes inspected by the city at least once every three years. Tenants should be aware that documented complaints can factor into how the Inspectional Services Department prioritizes its inspection schedule, meaning formal complaints may influence when a property is reviewed. Tenants who believe their unit has not been inspected as required, or who have concerns about housing conditions, can contact the Inspectional Services Department directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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