Borough Rental Unit Inspection Program
Trappe Borough conducts regular inspections of residential rental units. The foremost goal of this program is public safety, helping to ensure that apartments and other rental units are maintained in accordance with current building and property codes. In addition to safeguarding residents living in rental units, the program will help to protect property values throughout the Borough. Rental properties not subject to regular inspections are more likely to deteriorate over time. Neglected properties, in turn, lower the value of neighboring homes.Prior to the adoption of the program, rental units in the Borough were only inspected when a rental property changed ownership. And because some rental properties can be held by the same corporation or individual for several decades, rental units could go many years without an inspection. Now, rental units will be inspected every time there is a change of tenants, or every three years, whichever occurs first.
The deadline for owners of rental units to register their property with the Borough was April 1, 2009. Owners of existing rental properties are able to register their properties at no cost. Owners of rental properties created after January 1, 2009 will pay a one time registration fee of $100 per property. To register your property, please use the Rental Property Registration Form.
After the rental property is registered, each rental unit must pass inspection. The inspection fee for units possessing less than 1,500 square feet of living area is $50; the inspection fee for all larger units is $75. This fee includes the initial inspection and one follow-up inspection. Inspections are scheduled with a Rental Property Inspection Form.
A complete copy of the rental inspection ordinance can be found here. Rental property owners who have questions about the rental inspection program are welcome to contact Borough Hall at 610-489-7181.