The DOB Resident Inspector Program is an innovative approach that applies successful elements of the on-demand, gig economy to the most requested types of inspections performed by DOB. Put simply, DOB trains District residents to perform housing, illegal construction, and vacant building inspections and then pays the trained inspectors whenever they successfully complete an inspection.
Role of a Resident Inspector
As independent contractors, Resident Inspectors, must complete an application process, pass a background check, complete comprehensive training and pass a series of exams, invest in the purchase of technology and study, and complete field training.
Once fully certified, Resident Inspectors are entered into an online platform created by DOB. Through the platform, inspectors are assigned jobs based on their availability and location. Once the inspector completes an inspection, their findings are uploaded from the field in real-time, and then approved by a supervisor.
The types of inspections performed by Resident Inspectors include:
- Housing inspections to ensure that tenants are living in safe conditions;
- Illegal construction inspections to ensure construction projects are following the city’s building code; and
- Vacant building inspections to determine if an unoccupied building needs to be classified as such for tax purposes.
- Elevator Quality Assurance/Life Safety Inspection to confirm the proper operations of safety systems and controls.
- Resident Inspectors are paid $30 for each successfully completed vacant building inspection, $40 for housing inspections, $20 for illegal construction inspections ($100 if it results in a Stop Work Order), and $150 for elevator qualify assurance/life safety inspections (must be Quality Elevator Inspector-certified)
As a result of the program, DOB has been able to more than double its inspection capacity, allowing the agency to respond to inspection requests fast, sometimes almost instantaneously.
Training to Become a Resident Inspector
In conjunction with other instructional providers, the Resident Inspector Program will train participants to become Resident Inspectors.
Housing, or property maintenance, inspections ensure that occupied rental housing units in the District meet all residential property maintenance and building code requirements and that buildings and units are healthy and safe.
Vacant properties inspections identify and enforce minimum maintenance standards and assess the condition of all vacant properties and vacant lots in the District, ensuring that they are safe, sanitary, and in compliance with the standards set forth within §42-3131 et al of the DC Code.
Elevator inspections must be conducted by Qualified Elevator Inspectors (QEI) and are responsible for evaluating the overall safety of elevators as well as the life safety mechanisms that are used and allow first responders to get control of the cars in an emergency.
Steps to Becoming a Resident Inspector as an International Code Council (ICC) Certified Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
- Send an email to [email protected] including your name, email, and phone number expressing your interest in the Resident Inspector Program.
- Prepare and complete self-study for the ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector #64 certification.
- Register and schedule your ICC Exam through the International Code Council (ICC)
- Once you obtain your ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector #64 certification, send an email to [email protected] with a copy of your ICC certification.
- Visit the Police Clearances (Arrest and Criminal History Section) webpage of the Metropolitan Police Department and review Option B to obtain a background check. Individuals must make an appointment with Metropolitan Police Department to obtain requests for records in person for their Criminal History check.
- Once you complete your background check, email the background check to the DOB Human Resources department at [email protected]
- Monitor your email for confirmation of acceptance into the program and additional program information.
- Complete and pass field supervised inspection requirements and additional exams as needed.
- Become a Resident Inspector
Prepare, Register and Schedule an Exam
The International Code Council (ICC) is a major source of relevant information. Through the ICC website, and specifically through its ICC Digital Codes Library, the ICC provides reference materials, exam preparation, and access to testing registration and administration.
All 2021 Code Cycle references are available for purchase in printed or electronic format directly through the ICC:
- 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
- 2021 International Residential Code
- Legal Aspects of Code Administration, 2017 Edition
The following 2021 Code Cycle books can be viewed online for studying purposes:
- 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
- 2021 International Residential Code
- Legal Aspects of Code Administration, 2017 Edition (unavailable to view online)
Self-Study and Exam:
Individuals who would like to obtain an understanding of the required ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector #64 exam may view the Path to a Career as a Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector online.
Exam Information: The Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector #64 exam is administered by Pronto ICC Online Exams. You can schedule your exam through the International Code Council (ICC). Please note, if you do not have an account with the ICC, you need to create one to register for the exam. However, you do not need to sign up for an ICC membership.
If you have additional questions regarding test site regulations, please contact Pearson VUE directly at 1-877-234-6082.
Resident Inspector Program Ethics
Are there any ethical rules that apply to the Resident Inspector Program?
Yes, there is an Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy for the Resident Inspector Program. In order to participate in the program, you must sign an attestation affirming that you have reviewed and agree to abide by the Policy and will not engage in certain activities. The Policy will be provided after completion of the Resident Inspector Interest Form.
What should I do when I find that I have either a personal or business relationship with someone involved with my inspection?
This would be a conflict of interest, and you are required to immediately disclose the conflict, in writing, to the Program Manager and recuse yourself from performing the inspection upon learning of the conflict.
Am I allowed to own a business interacting in one of DOB's regulatory functions, such as being a permit expediter, a code consultant, a construction code inspector or plan reviewer while I am a Resident Inspector?
No. Under the Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy, participants shall not engage in employment or activities, including seeking or negotiating for employment, or hold financial interests that could conflict with the performance of inspections or potentially affect the objectivity or reliability of an inspection report under the program.
Am I allowed to participate in a business that routinely is a customer of a DOB regulatory function, such as being a general contractor, trade contractor, design professional, etc. while I am a Resident Inspector?
No. Under the Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy, participants shall not engage in employment or activities, including seeking or negotiating for employment, or hold financial interests that could conflict with the performance of inspections or potentially affect the objectivity or reliability of an inspection report under the Program.
What should I do if a person or entity requests my assistance handling a DOB regulatory issue with their property?
You may refer the person or entity to the appropriate division or employee within DOB who may assist them, but you may not provide or advertise services to them. Under the Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy, participants shall not take actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in the Policy.
Resident Inspector Program Payment Schedule
Inspector Pay Per Qualified Inspection
- Vacant Properties - $30
- Housing Inspections - $40
- Illegal Construction - $20 for each qualified inspection with no Stop Work Order and $100 total per qualified inspection if resulted in a Stop Work Order.
- Elevator Qualify Assurance/Life Safety Inspection (must be Quality Elevator Inspector-certified) - $150
Inspector Pay Per Qualified Inspection During a 3-hour On-Call Shift and Compliance Check (if assigned)
Base Qualified Inspection rate of $45 per 3-hour shift ($15 per hour for any additional hours), plus:
- Vacant Properties - $30
- Housing Inspections - $40
- Illegal Construction - $20 for each qualified inspection with no Stop Work Order and $100 total per qualified inspection if resulted in a Stop Work Order.
Note: If no inspection request is made during the assigned 3-hour on-call shift, the inspector will still be paid the base qualified inspection rate of $45. If the inspector did not respond to an inspection request or refused to conduct an inspection during the assigned 3-hour shift, the inspector will not be eligible for the $45 base qualified inspection rate.
* DOB reserves the right to change this payment schedule at any time.