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Friday, February 21, 2025

City of Independence expands rental unit inspections with new guidelines

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Mayor Rory Rowland | City of Independence

Mayor Rory Rowland | City of Independence

The City of Independence, Missouri, has announced an expansion to its Rental Ready inspection program. Starting May 1, 2025, rental units within the city will be subject to increased inspection requirements.

The program initially consisted of nine guidelines but was expanded to 16 in January 2025. This change followed extensive collaboration among landlords, tenants, councilmembers, and various city departments who worked together using nationwide best practices.

Councilmember Jared Fears expressed pride in the new ordinance: "I am proud of our new Rental Ready ordinance." Fears also hosted listening sessions for citizens concerned about the changes. Reflecting on the past year's efforts, he stated, "A year ago, Rental Ready didn't have much teeth. We have spent many months addressing several significant concerns Independence residents have shared."

Before a unit can be rented out, it must pass inspection by a privately-licensed rental housing inspector against more than a dozen criteria. These include maintaining a proper electrical system and ensuring that all sinks and showers provide hot and cold running water. Additionally, heating and cooling systems must be functional to maintain safe temperatures. For windows over six feet above ground level, fall protection is required.

Inspections are mandated every two years or upon tenant turnover but not exceeding four years between inspections. In buildings with five or more units, half of the total units must undergo inspection each cycle; previously inspected units are excluded from this requirement.

Councilmember Fears noted the flexibility of the ordinance: "The great thing about this code is that it can always be amended as more needs arise."

Independence was the first municipality in the Kansas City metro area to implement such an inspection compliance program back in 2017. City Manager Zach Walker commented on this milestone: "While we were proud to be the first in the metro to enact these guidelines, we recognized the 2016 ordinance did not go far enough to protect all our citizens." He further highlighted how recent updates emphasize accountability and safety for residents.

For those interested in reviewing current and updated codes effective May 1st, links are provided by city officials.

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