Multifamily Rental Housing (MRH)
Overview
The Multifamily Rental Housing (MRH) Program ensures that all multifamily rental properties in Sandy Springs are safe, well-maintained, and meet city standards. On September 5, 2023, the Sandy Springs City Council approved updates to the Development Code requiring annual inspections of all multifamily rental housing units beginning in 2024. Currently, the city has 96 apartment complexes, with two more under construction.
What Qualifies as Multifamily Rental Housing (MRH)
Multifamily Rental Housing (MRH) refers to any building with three or more rental units used as residences or sleeping spaces. This includes:
- Apartment buildings
- Senior or independent living facilities
- Boardinghouses and rooming houses
- Group homes
- Flats
Program Administration
The MRH Program is jointly administered by the:
- Building Division
- Code Enforcement Division
- Fire Department
Together, these departments coordinate inspections and enforcement to maintain the safety and quality of multifamily housing across the city.
Inspection Requirements
City of Sandy Springs Inspections (Performed by the City):
- Fire Marshal — Annual
- Code Enforcement — Annual
Third-Party Inspections (Hired and paid by Property Owner/Manager):
- Certified Building Inspector – Units — Annual
- Certified Building Inspector – Attics — Annual
- Fire Alarm System — Annual
- Fire Suppression System — Annual
- Private Fire Hydrants — Annual
- Fireplace & Chimney Inspection — Annual
- Mechanical System Inspection — Every 5 Years
- Electrical System Inspection — Every 5 Years
- Plumbing System Inspection — Every 5 Years
Property Owner/Manager Inspections:
- Dryer Vent Cleaning Log — Annual
*Refer to your Annual MRH Inspection Summary each year for details on your requirements. *
Key 2025 Deadlines
December 31, 2025:
- All annual inspections must be completed.
- Late inspections are subject to citations for each MRH unit and building not completed by the due date.
March 31, 2026:
- All inspections must be passed to receive the annual MRH Compliance Certificate.
- Deadline to apply for and receive your Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate.
Resources and Quick Links
Multifamily Rental Housing Ordinance
Registration for Property Manager Certification Training
Registration for CBI Certification Training
Penalties for violation of MRH Code
MRH Upcoming Events
- Next Property Manager Certification Training: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 9:00 am - Noon
- Next CBI Certification Training: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Contacts
Email: MRH@SandySpringsGA.gov
Phone: (770) 730–5600
Departments:
Building Department – Jonathan Livingston, P.E., Building Official
Code Enforcement – Yvonne Shaw, Code Enforcement Manager
Fire Department – Capt. Scott McColl, Deputy Fire Marshal