Apartment Inspections

To obtain a Sandy Springs Business License, apartment property owners must provide a Code Compliance Certificate and Inspection Report covering 100% of rental units.

Frequently Asked Questions for Apartment Owners

How do I know if I need to provide a Code Compliance Certificate?

You must provide the City of Sandy Springs with a Code Compliance Certificate if all of the following apply:

You own multifamily rental dwellings or multifamily rental units within the City of Sandy Springs.
You receive income from four or more multifamily rental dwellings or units.
Your office or rental property is located within Sandy Springs city limits.
You are required to obtain a City Occupation Tax Certificate.

What are some of the requirements for obtaining a certificate?

Bathrooms provide adequate privacy
Hot and cold running water is available
Windows are in good repair and rodent-resistant
Interior and exterior doors function properly
Interior floors, walls, and ceilings are in good repair
Exits are unobstructed and lead to a safe open area
The property is maintained without excessive trash or debris
Stairs are in safe working condition
Smoke detectors are installed as required by law

My property is new construction or was rehabilitated within the past year. Do I still need a certificate?

No. Properties newly constructed or rehabilitated within the previous year are exempt during the first year, provided all required City permits were obtained.

I own multiple units. Does each unit have to be inspected?

Yes. To obtain your initial certificate, 100% of units must have been inspected within the previous 12 months.

How long do I have to obtain and submit my certificate?

The certificate must be submitted to the City by March 31 each year as part of the Business License renewal process.

Property inspections must be completed by one of the following qualified professionals:

A Certified Building Inspector
A licensed architect or engineer
An individual certified by the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) or the International Code Council (ICC) in one of the following areas:
- Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
- Housing Rehabilitation Inspector
- Building Inspector
- Building Plan Examiner
- Commercial Combination Inspector

To search for certified inspectors by ZIP code, visit the following resources:

If you need additional assistance or have questions, contact the Community Development Department at 770-730-5600.

A Code Compliance Certificate must be submitted annually with the business license renewal.

All units must be inspected annually to maintain certification. In addition, at least once every five years, all units must undergo a full inspection cycle again.

Property owners should maintain records of inspection dates, inspected items, and any violations identified. Inspectors are also required to maintain these records.

If requested, inspection records must be provided to the City within 10 days.

Can I see a copy of the Code Compliance Certificate or inspection form?

Yes. Copies of the ordinance, certificate, and inspection form are available on the City website or by contacting the Community Development Department at 770-730-5600.

Frequently Asked Questions for Tenants

For maintenance or habitability concerns, tenants should first contact apartment property management.

If property management is unresponsive or does not resolve the issue, contact Code Enforcement through the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600.

Common Tenant Concerns

Mold concerns
Inoperable HVAC systems
Heating issues
Water leaks
Rodent or pest problems

Mold Concerns

The City of Sandy Springs does not perform mold testing. However, if conditions warrant further investigation, the City may require the property owner or manager to hire a qualified third-party mold testing company and provide the results to both the City and the property owner.