Before You Sign
Identify repair issues before you commit to a lease or hand over a deposit.
A Field Guide For San Antonio Renters
Don't Sign A Lease Blind.
The 2024 San Antonio Property Maintenance Code (effective May 1, 2025) sets the minimum standards for safety, sanitation, and habitability. This guide helps you spot the violations landlords most often miss before you hand over a deposit.
Code
SAPMC ’24
Effective
May 1, 2025
Reports
Green • Yellow • Red
Why It Matters
Why This Matters For Renters
San Antonio enforces the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code, based on the International Property Maintenance Code. It sets minimum standards for safety, sanitation, and habitability in residential properties. Landlords must maintain properties to these standards.
Clear Documentation
Photos, videos, and notes help prove property conditions before move-in.
Repair Leverage
Use third-party inspection evidence to request repairs in writing.
Common Exterior Violations
These are highly visible and frequently cited rental property issues renters should identify before signing a lease.
Interior Rental Issues
Interior & Habitability Violations
Inside the rental, these issues can affect safety, comfort, and habitability. Select a category below to learn what renters should check before signing.
Interior Check
Structural Integrity
Damaged floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, or structural members can create safety concerns and should be documented before move-in.
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SAPMC Quick Reference
Key Code Sections Renters Should Know
These sections help renters understand where common maintenance problems usually fall before signing a lease.
2024
San Antonio Property Maintenance Code
A renter-friendly summary of important exterior, interior, plumbing, electrical, and safety-related code areas renters should understand before move-in.
302
Exterior Property Areas
Weeds, grading, drainage, rodent control, and exhaust vents.
304
Exterior Structure
Protective paint, foundations, roofs, windows, doors, stairs, guards, and building security.
305
Interior Structure
Cleanliness, structural members, stairs, and handrails.
308
Rubbish & Garbage
No excessive accumulation of rubbish, trash, or garbage.
05
Plumbing
Working fixtures, no leaks, sanitary plumbing, and hot water.
06
Mechanical & Electrical
Safe electrical systems, heating, cooling, and mechanical equipment.
Before You Sign
Red Flag Issues Before Signing
Request repairs before signing if you notice any of these problems.
Non-Working AC
Serious during San Antonio summer heat.
Active Plumbing Leaks
Leaks or sewer issues should be repaired.
Broken Windows Or Doors
Security and energy-cost issues.
Pest Infestations
Rodents, roaches, or visible pest activity.
Missing Smoke Detectors
Missing or faulty detectors are safety risks.
Unsafe Stairs Or Railings
Structural damage or missing guards.
Inspection Benefits
How Our Inspections Help
Our Standard and Ultimate packages go beyond basic walkthroughs with detailed documentation and clear next steps.
01
Full Functionality Testing
AC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, and other essentials.
02
Photo & Video Evidence
Detailed proof of property condition before move-in.
03
Color-Coded Summary
Green, Yellow, and Red Flags make issues easy to understand.
04
Repair Request Template
Use the report to ask landlords for repairs in writing.
05
Deposit Protection
Evidence can help protect your security deposit at move-out.
06
Third-Party Evidence
Independent documentation strengthens your repair requests.
Book a pre-lease inspection to get professional documentation aligned with these code standards.
Book Your Inspection
Next Steps
What To Do If You Spot Issues
Follow these simple steps before signing or moving forward with a rental.
Document Everything
Take photos, videos, and notes with dates. Include every room, fixture, and visible concern.
Request Repairs In Writing
Email or text your repair requests so there is a clear written record before signing.
Escalate Via 311
For serious violations after move-in, San Antonio Code Enforcement is a call away.
Ready To Move In With Confidence?
Protect Yourself Don’t Sign Blind.
Schedule your pre-lease inspection today and move in with confidence using professional documentation aligned with common code standards.