(a) The governing body of a municipality may adopt an ordinance to inspect residential rental dwelling units that are either deteriorated or in the process of deteriorating for compliance with applicable local housing, building, plumbing, electrical, fire, health or related codes and to promote the health, safety and welfare of its citizens in accordance with the following:

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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 13-21-302

  • Deteriorated: means any structure or vacant or unimproved lot or parcel in a predominantly built-up neighborhood:
    (A) That, because of physical condition or use, is regarded as a public nuisance at common law or has been declared a public nuisance in accordance with local housing, building, plumbing, electrical, fire, health or related codes. See Tennessee Code 13-21-301
  • Dwelling: means any building or structure, or part thereof, used and occupied for human occupation or use or intended to be so used, and includes any outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith. See Tennessee Code 13-21-301
  • Governing body: means the council, commission, or board, or other legislative body, charged with governing a municipality. See Tennessee Code 13-21-301
  • Municipality: means any county, including any county having a metropolitan form of government, or incorporated city or town in this state. See Tennessee Code 13-21-301
  • Public authority: means any department, agency or branch of the government of the municipality or state relating to health, fire, building regulations, or other activities concerning structures in the municipality. See Tennessee Code 13-21-301
(1) The dwelling units shall be located in a residential rental inspection district established by the local governing body in accordance with this section; and
(2) The residential rental inspection district shall be based upon a finding by the local governing body that:

(A) There is a need to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the occupants of dwelling units inside the designated residential rental inspection district;
(B) The residential rental dwelling units within the designated residential rental inspection district are either deteriorated or in the process of deteriorating; or the residential rental dwelling units are in the need of inspection by the municipality to prevent deterioration, taking into account the number, age and condition of residential dwelling rental units inside the proposed residential rental inspection district; and
(C) The inspection of residential rental dwelling units inside the proposed residential rental inspection district is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of tenants and other residents living in the proposed residential rental inspection district. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a municipality-wide residential rental inspection district and a local governing body shall limit the boundaries of the proposed residential rental inspection district to the areas of the municipality that meet the criteria set forth in this section.
(b) For purposes of this part, the local governing body of the municipality may designate any local government department or agency to serve as the public authority to perform all or part of the duties authorized by this part.
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