DSD Code Compliance aims to bring our communities to a safe standard for Austin residents and visitors. This list of community resources is available to help Austin residents resolve potential hazards.

Connect with us on how to keep Austin buildings and lands safe:

On this page you will find:

Renter Resources  |  Notice of Violation (NOV)

Safety Resources

Renter Resources

These resources provide renters/tenants with the tools to submit and track complaints, understand how Code Compliance responds to cases, and know their rights when it comes to protection against retaliation.

Complaints
Retailiation Protection
Mold and Rental Housing

DSD Code Compliance does not conduct mold inspection or testing. They may address the contributing factors that fall under minimum standards. Mold is often a sign of other code violations.

Mold could be the result of:

  • Improper home weatherization like unsealed windows or door frames.
  • Water leaks from air conditioner units, sink pipes, or roofs.
  • Ventilation problems that lead to trapped moisture.

Fixing the contributing factors

If you live in a rental property and have issues that contribute to mold, DSD Code Compliance may be able to assist. Rental properties include apartments, duplexes, townhomes, or houses.

If your property representative has not fixed the issue, you can call Austin 3-1-1 or submit a report online. A code inspector will check for code violations. If there is a code violation, the landlord will receive a Notice of Violation. The landlord will have a set amount of time to fix a problem after receiving the request.

For more information about what to do if you have leaks or unexpected water in your home, see our flyers for tenants and property representatives: What to do when water enters your home (Tenants) (PDF)

Renter’s insurance can cover damage to personal property from things like burst pipes and mold. Learn more about renter’s insurance (PDF), including cost.

Mold prevention

Some minor mold issues may not be the result of property maintenance code violations. You can help prevent minor mold issues by following the guidelines below:

  • Always use bathroom exhaust fans during and after bathing/showering or open a window.
  • Use a towel or squeegee to dry wet surfaces after bathing.
  • Use kitchen exhaust fans when cooking.
  • Avoid using humidifiers unless there is a medical reason to use one.
  • Ensure good air movement in your home.
  • Open windows when possible.
  • Don’t block air supply and return vents.
  • Keep dust cleaned off of air supply vents.
  • Keep a few inches of space between furniture and walls.
  • Watch what you put down drains and toilets to avoid clogging and over-flows.

Visit the CDC website to learn more about mold.

Mold inspections and removals

Austin Code does not regulate mold inspectors or companies that inspect for mold. These types of services are called mold assessments. The department also does not regulate companies or individuals who clean up and remove mold. These types of services are called mold remediation.

The state of Texas licenses and regulates assessors and remediators. Find a list of licensed mold professionals on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website. You can file a complaint with the state if someone is conducting mold activity without a license.

Other Resources

Notice of Violation (NOV)

A NOV is issued when a Code Inspector confirms a violation has occurred. The NOV includes the list of violations found, the corrective actions needed, and a timeline.

Resources on the NOV

General Information

Austin 3-1-1 - A single point of contact for every City department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: 3-1-1

Texas 2-1-1 - Free information from state and local health and human services programs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: 2-1-1, or 877-541-7905

United Way / Connect ATX - Free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.

Housing

Austin Housing Department - Provides housing and community development services to eligible residents. Phone: 512-974-3100

Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BASTA) - Gives renters strategic guidance and legal counsel. The organization also develops tenant associations and organizes tenants.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. - Nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents. Services include renter-landlord disputes, home foreclosures, fair housing, and federally subsidized housing. Phone: 1-888-988-9996.

Austin Tenants Council - May be able to help if you have issues with your landlord. Their renters’ program provides counseling and helps with tenant-landlord issues and dispute mediation. Phone: 512-474-1961

Texas Attorney General Tenant Rights - Learn your rights as a tenant. You may also file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

Administrative Hearings

Attend Your Administrative Hearing

If you receive an Administrative Citation for a City of Austin Code Violation you will be automatically scheduled for an Administrative Hearing per City of Austin Ordinance No. 20170413-002. and City Code Chapter 2-13.

Jurisdiction Resources

Safety

Inspection Guide   |   Flooding & Water Damage

Emergency Repairs   |   Winter Tips

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Inspection Guide 

City of Austin codes protect the public's health and safety, and they regulate proper property upkeep, land use, and building conditions. What can you do to make sure your property stays safe? Keep in mind that this is not a fully comprehensive list of potential code issues; rather, these are some common issues that code inspectors check for during an inspection. Here are tips to help inspect your own property:

Inside
  1. Appliances & cabinets – Are they damaged, inoperable, or missing parts?
  2. Doors – Are all doors working properly and in good repair? Make sure there’s no damage to the door jambs, hardware, weather stripping, or protective treatment.
  3. Electrical – Check your light switches and outlets to see if they are working and in good repair. Make sure there is no exposed or damaged wiring.
  4. Fire protection – Are the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working? Make sure there is a working alarm in your bedroom and at least one alarm in the common area. 
  5. HVAC system – Can it heat the room to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit? Make sure the exhaust pipe is properly connected and the area is kept clear. 
  6. Infestation – Look for signs of rodents, bed bugs, roaches, fleas, bees, or other pests. 
  7. Sink, toilet, tub, & shower – Are the faucets and fixtures working correctly? Is there sufficient water pressure? Check that the water gets hot enough – it should be able to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit after three minutes of running.
  8. Walls, floors, & ceilings – Are they in good condition? Make sure there are no cracks, holes, gaps, trip hazards, or damage to these surfaces.  
  9. Water heater – Is there sufficient water pressure? Make sure that water can get up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (after three minutes running) and keep the area clear.  
  10. Window – Are all window panes in place and unbroken? Are the window locks working? Windows should be weather tight with no breezes or moisture coming through. If used as an emergency exit, make sure it can open and is unobstructed.
Outside
  1. Balcony, deck, porch, patio, & landing – Are the walking surfaces in good repair, smooth, and undamaged? Make sure support systems are anchored and functional.
  2. Electrical fixtures – Are they in good repair? Make sure any wiring is covered up.
  3. Fences, walls, sidewalks, parking surfaces & carports – Are they in good repair and undamaged? Check for potholes, trip hazards, and uneven walking surfaces.
  4. Handrails & guardrails – Are they in good repair and secure? Check that the rails are not cracked, loose, missing, incorrectly spaced, or lacking protective treatment.
  5. Plumbing – Is there a backflow preventer installed on the hose bib? Is there leaking? Check the clean-out covers and piping.  
  6. Roof – Is the roof covering, soffit, and fascia all intact and in good repair? Make sure there are no leaks in the rain gutters or downspouts.s.
  7. Stairway – Are the treads in good repair and secure? Check for trip hazards and an appropriate stair riser (or step height) on the stairs.
  8. Trash – Is there trash and rubbish around the property, overflowing dumpsters? Check if there is old furniture, tires or junk outside of the dumpster.
  9. Walls – Are they in good condition? Make sure there is no damage and they have the proper trim, protective treatment, and remain weather tight to protect the inside.

Flooding & Water Damage

If there is water in your home from leaks, a flood, a burst pipe, or other source, immediately follow these steps:

  • Do not enter if the area is not safe due to electrical hazards, collapsing walls or ceiling, or if there is the danger of a slip and fall.
  • Notify the property owner or management company of the issue so they can take the appropriate steps.
Only if it is safe to do so
  • Find the source of the leak. DO NOT touch water that may be contaminated! Different water sources carry different levels of contamination from germs, dirt, mold, etc. (For example a broken kitchen pipe vs. a toilet backup.)
  • Use buckets or containers to catch water and remove liquid as best as you can to help prevent damage from mold or dry rot.
  • Remove personal items from direct exposure to water.
  • Depending on the weather, do the following (ONLY if water is not contaminated):
  • If weather is warm and dry open windows and doors to let air in
  • If weather is cold and/or wet- use fans or air conditioner to help dry.
  • If you have renters insurance, contact them to see if they cover damage to your personal property.
What to expect from the property owner or management company
  • Equipment such as large fans and dehumidifiers may be used to dry the structure. Please do not turn off or move equipment unless a professional tells you to.
  • It may not be possible to save some personal items because the water is contaminated. Professionals may have to tear down, remove, and/or throw away these items.
  • The property owner/management may hire professionals who may use disinfectants or chemicals to help control the spread of germs and mold. In some cases, plastic sheets may be put up to “contain” or “isolate” the affected areas.
  • If mold covers more than 25 square feet, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires licensed professionals to come in. Visit the TDLR website for more information about mold.
Flood Structural Safety Checklist

The Flood Structural Safety Checklist provides information on assessing potential hazards after a flood: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Simplified Chinese (PDF) | Korean  (PDF) | Vietnamese (PDF) | Arabic (PDF)

Mold

Visit the Mold and Rental Housing section under Renter Resources on this page for more information.

Emergency Repairs

An emergency repair is an unexpected fix that needs to occur to prevent further damage or danger to a property or building. Permits and inspections may be required depending on the type of repair.  This page provides an overview of the permitting process based on the type of damage.

Winter Tips

Taking a few proactive steps and learning more about property maintenance issues can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home Safe and Sound this winter. 
 

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

As of April 1, 2018, any structure that is used for residential purposes and uses gas or fuel-burning appliances and/or has an attached garage that connects to the structure is required to install and maintain Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms.

According to the ordinance, a carbon monoxide alarm must be installed and maintained in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Read the complete ordinance text for Section 705 Carbon Monoxide Alarms (PDF).

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can’t be smelled, seen or heard, but it can be detected through an alarm.

What is a carbon monoxide detector?

A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Location of alarms
  • If there is a gas or fuel-burning appliance inside the bedroom or inside an attached bathroom to the bedroom, then the alarm must be placed inside the bedroom.
  • Alarms must also be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms if a fuel-burning or solid fuel appliance is located within the sleeping area, a bathroom attached to the sleeping area, or a garage attached to the sleeping area.
Gas and fuel-burning appliances
  • water heater
  • furnace
  • space heater
  • stove
  • oven
  • boiler
  • fireplace

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