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 ordinance specifies the following degrees of compliance:
LANDLORDS – 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. Tenants may call the Housing Office at (828) 259-5764 with specific questions. The City recommends 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 complaint against the landlord. The Housing Office will require compliance with the Housing Code.
PRIMARY RESIDENCES – All properties within the city must be maintained to the standards of the Minimum Housing Code (4-210).
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 June 28, 2011, the North Carolina General Assembly made changes to the state law governing housing code compliance within the State. These changes affected the City's Housing Certificate and Life Safety Letter process and are no longer required to be obtained by a new owner or landlord. However, all property must still be maintained to the standards of the Minimum Housing Code.
Although Life Safety Letters and Housing Certificates are no longer required, those previously issued are available for search via the Asheville Housing Code Certificate Directory for informational purposes only, please visit this page.
Contact Information
Division: Building Safety Department
Location: Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte Street
Mailing: Post Office Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday
Phone: (828) 259-5846