Renter Assistance

Rental Inspections

City of Denton Code Enforcement handles rental property maintenance complaints and performs interior inspections of rental units by request at no cost. Common complaints addressed by rental inspections include heating and air conditioning issues, not hot water, sanitary sewage blockage, or rodent/insect infestation.

Code Enforcement

Due to the large number of rental properties in Denton and an increasing number of complaints from tenants, Code Enforcement performs interior inspections of rental units by request. A trained and experienced officer addresses all interior tenant complaints. The officer maintains positive relationships with many of the landlords, property managers, and leasing agents throughout Denton to ensure tenants and their families have a safe and clean place to live, and to ensure non-compliant properties are addressed to protect public health and safety.

As a part of the Rental Inspection program, Code Enforcement accepts complaints regarding interior apartments or rental homes. These complaints refer to problems inside the building under sections 17-154 through 17-179 of the Denton Property Maintenance Code (DPMC), and include, but are not limited to, such issues as infestations, damaged walls, mold, leaking sinks/toilets, broken air conditioners or heaters, broken or missing appliances, etc.

If you have a complaint or would like to request a Rental Inspection, please email Donnie Denny or call 940-349-7480.

Types of Rental Inspection Program Complaints

Mold Testing

The City of Denton does not have mold testing capabilities. If a complaint is received for mold, the substance must be visible and present during the Officer's inspection. The officer will take photos and proceed with Rental Inspection process to notify the owner/manager. Most molds can be eliminated by cleaning the area with a bleach/water mixture and then painted with a stain blocking paint.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Every dwelling unit and guest room shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit at a point 3 feet above the floor and 3 feet from the walls in all habitable rooms. If a complaint is about air conditioning, the interior must be able to maintain a maximum inside temperature that is 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature or 81 degrees Fahrenheit, whichever is warmer in each room intended for human occupancy from May 1 through October 1.

No Hot Water

A test is conducted on the temperature of the water coming out of the faucet at every sink, lavatory, bathtub and shower. The temperature at all facilities must be a minimum of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sanitary Sewer Blockage

Upon inspection and determination of a sanitary sewer blockage, the owner/manager is notified immediately and given 24 hours to make the necessary repairs.

Rodent / Insect Infestation

Some sign of infestation must be observed (rodent droppings or insects) during the inspection. Upon inspection and determination of the owner/manager is notified of the violation(s) observed and granted a reasonable amount of time to provide extermination services. Owner/manager will provided copies of service records or invoices from the pest control provider. Bed bug complaints are referred to the Health Inspectors of the Building Inspections Division.

Affordable Housing Options

Affordable housing supports and promotes healthy families and communities regardless of individual household income. It also helps families experiencing a financial crisis or instability to thrive by leaving money for other needs like nutritious food, good health care, and quality child care.

The City of Denton Map and Listing of Affordable Rental Housing provides information on locations within the city limits that may be available to assist low- to moderate-income households and renters with special needs. Contact property managers directly to find out about unit availability, income-eligibility and if there is a waiting list. Please note that the listing and map is offered as a resource only and may not be comprehensive of all units in the city.