The Rental Safety Verification Program (RSVP) promotes the health and safety of residents by requiring proof that rental properties are kept in safe and sanitary conditions. Upon successful completion of a basic safety inspection, Neighborhood Health & Housing will issue rental properties with a Certificate of Rental Safety. A rental with a Certificate of Rental Safety is in compliance with minimum housing standards as established by federal, state and local law. Inspectors will not be looking for cosmetic repairs but will focus on verifying compliance with basic safety standards.
RSVP housing inspections identify hazards in the home that, once addressed, have been shown to reduce risks of lead poisoning, asthma, unintentional injuries, and other health problems. In addition to health and safety benefits, RSVP preserves the quality of South Bend’s neighborhoods and available housing, protects vulnerable tenants, and stimulates re-investment into housing stock.
Rental unit, as used in the City Ordinance, means one (1) or more dwelling units in a structure intended to be occupied or is occupied as a home, residence or habitable space by anyone other than the owner and may include a tenancy agreement or lease.
Healthy Rental Homes
Housing should support the health and well-being of residents and not cause illness or injury. RSVP uses a visual assessment of the unit to determine if a rental is kept in decent, safe, and sanitary conditions to support a healthy living environment. The visual assessment of the rental unit is conducted by a trained RSVP inspector who will look at areas inside and outside of the home and document any hazards that require repair before the unit is considered compliant with existing safety standards. Visual inspection of homes has been determined by International Property Maintenance Code.
Become a Certified Rental
Landlords, owners, and property managers are encouraged to contact us before receiving a notice to schedule an inspection. To schedule an inspection, property managers and owners can call Neighborhood Health & Housing by dialing (574) 235-9586 or email rentalsafety@southbendin.gov to speak with the Neighborhood Program Specialist.
Inspections are scheduled Monday-Friday at 9:00am, 10:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm.
Tenants who suspect they may be living in substandard conditions are encouraged to register a complaint with Neighborhood Health & Housing at any time by calling (574) 235-9586 or email rentalsafety@southbendin.gov. Tenants are encouraged to contact owners or property managers first and given a reasonable opportunity to repair items before contacting Neighborhood Health & Housing.
Notice to Inspect
If you have received by mail a notice for inspection, please call Neighborhood Health & Housing at (574) 235-9586 or email rentalsafety@southbendin.gov to speak with the Neighborhood Specialist.
Failure to schedule an inspection or submit an inspection waiver will result in financial penalties.
Property owners can apply for an inspection exemption for the following scenarios:
- Owner-occupied primary residence or certain owner-occupied situations
- Occupied by immediate family member of the owner.
- Occupied by a purchaser under a recorded land contract.
- Owner-occupied and renting to no more than two unrelated tenants.
- Housing cooperatives or housing co-ops.
- Fall under occupancy arrangements such as group homes.
- Maintained/subsidized by a government agency.
- Properties were built within the last 10 years.
- Short-term rental.
Neighborhood Health & Housing can accept private inspections if they meet the same standards as RSVP such as those conducted by a third party for real estate sales within the last three years. Please contact us with inquiries about inspection exemptions.
Prepare for Inspection
On the day of inspection, an inspector will look at the conditions of the property inside and outside the unit. The inspector will have a checklist of items to look for such as chipping/peeling paint, visible leaks, working plumbing and electrical systems, proper sanitation, and adequate heat. The property owner, property manager or authorized
individual (such as a tenant), must be present during the inspection. Tenants are encouraged to be present during the inspection or can choose to arrange entry to the property with the owner. The individual must be over the age of 18 to allow entry into the unit.
A sample inspection is available upon request for owners, property managers or tenants to know what the inspector will be looking for and where they will need access. Property owners and managers are encouraged to make repairs prior to inspection to save time and avoid penalties. Tenants are encouraged to notify their landlords of any repairs needed on the property prior to the inspection. Tenants are asked to put away any personal items they do not want seen and clear pathways for the inspector to access all areas of the unit. Pets should be put away prior to inspection time regardless of the mannerism of their pet.
If the property does not pass inspection, the property owner will be notified of violations, provided time to make repairs, and required to schedule a reinspection. After each inspection, the inspector will prepare an inspection report for the property that will be sent to the property owner and available to the tenant. Properties will be provided one inspection at no cost to owners or occupants. If identified problems are not fixed after the scheduled visit, the Department will charge a fee for additional inspections. Fines may occur in instances of continued noncompliance.
Once a property has passed inspection, the Department will issue a Certificate of Rental Safety for a period of one, two or five years. The time frame for Certificate renewal depends on the condition of the property and compliance with rental inspections. If multiple inspections are required to verify safety, then the property will receive a certificate that requires more frequent reinspection and renewal. Properties that pass on first inspection or require minor repairs will receive a certificate with a longer period of time before renewal is due (up to 5 years).