Bureau of Property Maintenance and Housing Inspections
The Bureau of Property Maintenance and Housing Inspections is responsible for ensuring safe and quality housing stock through the administration of the City of Lancaster’s Property Maintenance and Rental Property Ordinances.
Our Housing Inspectors
Are Certified Code officials of International Property Maintenance (IPMC) which provides requirements for continued use and maintenance of building elements, site conditions, swimming pools, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems in existing residential and nonresidential structures.
What We Do
The Bureau is committed to working with residents, tenants, property owners, landlords, and community organizations to educate the public on maintaining their properties.
How
Pursuant to City Ordinance Chapter 238 Rental Property, and Chapter 223 Property Maintenance, and Chapter 182 Lead Poisoning Prevention & Lead Hazard Control, the City of Lancaster has established a Residential Rental Property Program.
Purpose
Promote public health, safety and welfare by establishing accountability for proper maintenance of residential rental housing units through its license program and systematic inspection process. Regular inspections of rental properties are conducted to ensure safety and maintain quality of life standards.
When
The City will systematically inspect all residential rental properties no less frequently than every six years as set forth in the policies and procedures. Systematic inspections are scheduled with a minimum 3-week advance notification.
We conduct complaint based inspections when notified at (717) 291-4711 or pmhi@cityoflancasterpa.gov to report property maintenance violations.
For violations related to grass and weeds, trash, or snow removal, please contact the SWEEPS hotline at (717) 291-4744 or email SWHotline@cityoflancasterpa.gov
Lead Safety
The Bureau of Property Maintenance & Housing Inspections will inspect approximately 12,000 rental properties built prior to 1978 over a four-year cycle for possible lead hazards during the systematic inspection process to minimize lead hazards within the city’s housing stock.
New requirements went into effect January 2023. The ordinance enhances lead safety protections in rental housing and childcare facilities. This ordinance requires all rental properties and childcare facilities built before 1978 to meet lead safety requirements every two to four years. Learn more at cityoflancasterpa.gov/lead-safe.
Vacant and Abandoned Property
Neglected properties can have a significant negative impact on the community, leading to unsafe conditions, increased criminal activity, and a decline in surrounding property values. These issues contribute to disinvestment in the community, reducing opportunities for education, employment, and access to basic services. Learn more at cityoflancasterpa.gov/vacant-abandoned-property.
Associated Boards, Commissions & Authorities
Sectors & Building Blocks
To determine what sector a property is in, go to BuildingBlocks. Accept the disclaimer. Begin to type the address into the search bar at the top. Select the desired property from the drop down menu. Scroll down to the gray rows, and select Code Inspector Zones.
About BuildingBlocks
BuildingBlocks is a web-based mapping software that warehouses data into one easy-to-use application. We are excited to share this with the public and hope it will help you answer your questions and provide a new way of looking at the city.
