In 2008, City Council adopted Ordinance 2008-08 requiring all residential rental properties in the City to register annually with the City.  The purpose of the rental registration program is to ensure code compliance, protect the health, safety and welfare of residents, and prevent deterioration of the housing stock through proactive inspection and enforcement of City ordinances.  Chapter 180 - Residential Rental Operating Licensing outlines the content and timing of applications, regulations for the issuance of licenses, inspection procedures, penalties for noncompliance and fees.

Rental Licenses are obtained from the Planning & Economic Development Department at the Public Works Facility, 180 Vickers Drive and are valid from January 1 to December 31 of each year.  The fee for the rental license is $50.00 per unit.

All rental units in the City of Milford will be inspected on a four-year rotational schedule by Ward (click here to find out what Ward your property is located in).  Below is the inspection schedule for the next four (4) years;

• 2023 - Ward 4
• 2024 - Ward 1
• 2025 - Ward 2
• 2026 - Ward 3

Rental properties that have been inspected for compliance with HUD or USDA Rural Development Housing Voucher programs need only submit the most current HUD/USDA inspection report in lieu of the City's inspection.  Copies of the inspection reports may be emailed to hwillis@milford-de.gov or faxed to us at 302-424-3559.
 
Please note the above schedule is for routine inspections and the City reserves the right to inspect residential rental properties at any time to ensure compliance with City ordinances, per Chapter 180 of the City Code.

Preparing for an Inspection

Landlords are encouraged to review the Pre-Inspection Checklist prior to an inspection to ensure compliance.  Rental inspections review compliance with Chapter 174 - Property Maintenance and the ICC 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) to ensure minimum maintenance and housing standards for basic equipment, light, ventilation, heating, sanitation and fire safety are maintained.

When an inspection is scheduled, it is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure the property is ready by the time the inspector arrives.  This includes notifying the tenant in accordance with applicable laws.  The inspector may arrive 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after the scheduled time.

Pets shall be placed outside or secured to minimize interference with a complete inspection of interior and exterior areas.

Owner/Caretaker Responsibility

When the rental inspection has been scheduled, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure the owner or caretaker is present during the inspection and that the tenants have been properly notified.  If the property fails the inspection, it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure the noted violations are corrected.  Once violations are corrected, it is the owner's responsibility to schedule a re-inspection of the property.  The initial inspection and one re-inspection are provided at no charge to the owner.  Should the property require additional inspections, these will be assessed at $50.00 per inspection.  If the owner fails to comply with the requirements of Chapter 180, or other City Codes, the owner may be subject to violations and penalties as outlined in the City Code carrying a fine of up to $1,000 per day.

 Below are additional resources for landlords and tenants of rental units within the City.

Rental Program Inspection Guide

Pre-Inspection Checklist

Rental Inspection Form

Chapter 88 - Building Construction