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City inspectors report common code violations at apartment complexes; 2,269 units inspected so far
Summary
City inspectors told the Balch Springs City Council that 14 of 19 apartment complexes and 2,269 units have been inspected under the multifamily inspection program adopted in 2023.
City staff updated the council July 28 on the city’s multifamily inspection program and common code violations found during unit inspections.
The program, adopted by ordinance in 2023, covers rental residential properties. Staff told council there are 19 apartment complexes within city limits, totaling a little over 3,000 units. Since the program began, inspectors have completed initial inspections at 14 complexes and 2,269 units; five complexes with about 799 units remain to be inspected. Reinspections typically occur within three months of an initial inspection.
Inspectors described frequent violations: blocked means of egress in bedrooms (for example, furniture or bunk beds obstructing windows), pest infestations and evidence of rodents and roaches, electrical issues (broken outlet covers, improper grounding and missing GFCI protection), plumbing defects (leaks, missing traps), inoperable or removed smoke detectors and other interior condition defects. Staff noted elevator outages at some complexes and said the city is relying on an interpretation of “appurtenance” in the minimum standards to require timely repair of elevators.
Staff emphasized that many responsibilities — tenant screening, parking enforcement, package delivery policies, towing and security — fall to property management rather than to the city. The apartment inspection fee is $10 per unit per year and fund revenues are used to cover inspection costs.
Council and staff discussed complaint pathways and the distinction between issues police respond to (disturbing the peace, parking violations in public areas) versus code/enforcement matters that property managers must address. Staff said residents at tax‑credit properties may also file complaints directly with the state agency that monitors tax‑credit compliance; staff had obtained the complaint link and said they will circulate it to council.
