Residential Rental Occupancy Program

About the Residential Rental Occupancy Program and Permit

The City of Paducah requires rental dwellings to be registered and inspected to help ensure safe and well-maintained housing for residents. Renting property is considered a business, and landlords must follow standards to keep rental housing safe and up to code. This program focuses on health, safety, and property maintenance standards. It is not intended to resolve private disputes between landlords and tenants unless a code or safety issue is involved.

Paducah Code of Ordinances Chapter 42

Note: A Business License through the City of Paducah Finance Department is required.

Who Must Register

This program applies primarily to single-family and two-family homes that are rented to tenants within the Paducah city limits.

The program does NOT apply to

• Apartment complexes.
• Hotels or motels.
• Bed and breakfast facilities.
• Nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
• Hospitals.
• Certain licensed residential care facilities.

The following forms may be required for rental property registration and compliance:

• Rental Property Permit Registration Form 
• Rental Property Self-Inspection Attestation Form (will be added at a later date)
• Rental Inspection Checklist (this is what Code Officials use for inspections)

Forms also will be available in the Fire Prevention Office at City Hall, 300 South 5th Street.

Landlord Quick Checklist

Keeping your property registered, inspected, and up to code helps ensure safe housing and avoids fines or permit issues. If you own a rental dwelling in the City of Paducah, make sure you complete these steps:

✔ Register your rental property each year by July 1 with the Fire Prevention Division.
✔ Apply for a Rental Occupancy Permit before renting the property.
✔ Pay the annual permit fee ($50 per unit, up to $500 per owner).
✔ Allow property inspections when required by the City.
✔ Correct any code or safety violations identified during inspections.
✔ Show your permit to tenants before move-in and when requested.
✔ Keep your contact information updated with the City.

How to Register Your Rental Property and Receive a Rental Occupancy Permit

Follow these steps to register your rental property and obtain a Rental Occupancy Permit.

Step 1: Register Your Property

Register your rental property annually with the City’s Fire Prevention Office. Registration must be completed by July 1 each year.

Step 2: Submit a Rental Occupancy Permit Application

To apply, landlords must provide the required information about the property, including

• Owner or business contact information.
• Responsible property manager or local contact person.
• Property address.
• Number of rental units.

Step 3: Schedule an Inspection

A City Code Official may schedule an inspection to verify that the property meets basic safety and housing standards.

Step 4: Correct Any Issues

If violations are found during the inspection, the landlord will receive written notice and time to correct the issues. A follow-up inspection may be required.

Step 5: Receive Your Rental Occupancy Permit

Once the property meets code requirements and all fees are paid, the City will issue a Rental Occupancy Permit allowing the property to be rented.

Step 6: Maintain Compliance

Landlords must continue to register their rental properties each year and maintain compliance with city rental occupancy ordinance. Rental properties are inspected annually (by Fire Prevention personnel or self-attestation, if applicable) to ensure ongoing safety and maintenance.

Fees and Fines

Rental permits require a $50 annual fee per rental unit, with a maximum of $500 per property owner. This includes the initial inspection and a follow-up inspection, if needed.

Fines may apply if multiple follow-up inspections are required for non-compliance.

• 3rd inspection: $250
• 4th inspection: $350
• 5th or additional inspections: $500

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Annual Registration

All landlords must register their rental properties every year with the City’s Fire Prevention Office.

• Registration deadline: July 1 each year.
• Late registration fine: $100 per rental unit.

For rental units that existed before March 1, 2026:

• Registration is free if completed before January 1, 2027.
• Units not registered by July 1, 2027, will receive a $100 fine per unit.

New rental properties must be registered within 30 days of being offered for rent.

Property Inspections

Rental properties are inspected by City Code Officials to ensure they meet basic safety and housing standards.

Inspections may occur:

• When applying for a rental permit.
• When a credible complaint is received.
• If code officials suspect safety or code violations.
• At least once every two years.

If a property passes an inspection with no violations, the landlord may be allowed to submit a self-inspection form the following year instead of an in-person inspection.

What Inspectors Look For

City inspectors check that rental properties meet basic life and safety standards, including:

• Safe electrical systems.
• Working smoke alarms and fire safety features.
• Proper plumbing and HVAC systems.
• Structural safety.
• Property maintenance.

Properties must be in substantial compliance with the residential rental ordinance to receive or maintain a permit.

If Problems Are Found

If an inspection finds violations,

1. The landlord will receive written notice.
2. The landlord typically has 7 days to fix the problem (extensions may be allowed).
3. The City will schedule a follow-up inspection.

If a serious safety hazard exists, the City may suspend the permit and require the property to be vacated until the issue is fixed.

Common Issues Found During Inspections

The following are some of the most common issues identified during rental property inspections:

• Missing or non-working smoke alarms.
• Unsafe or exposed electrical wiring.
• Plumbing leaks or non-working fixtures.
• Missing or damaged handrails on stairs.
• Broken windows or doors affecting safety.
• Improper or unsafe heating systems.
• Blocked or unsafe exit pathways.
• Property maintenance issues.

Addressing these issues ahead of time can help ensure a property passes inspection and avoids additional inspections or fines.

Landlords must show a valid rental occupancy permit:

• To prospective tenants before they move in.
• To current tenants upon request.
• To City officials when requested.

Criminal Activity, Nuisance Issues, and False Information

If a rental property is repeatedly associated with serious criminal activity or nuisance violations, the City may require the landlord to address the issue. In some cases, this may include starting eviction proceedings. If the issue is not resolved, the City may revoke the rental permit. Providing false information on registration forms, permit applications, or inspection reports is a violation of City code and may result in permit denial, suspension, or revocation.

Appeals

Landlords have the right to appeal decisions related to permit denial, suspension, or revocation. Appeals must be filed within 5 days of receiving the notice and are reviewed by the City’s Fire Prevention Division and, if necessary, the Code Enforcement Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do all landlords have to register?

A. No. The program mainly applies to single-family and two-family rental dwellings. Apartment complexes (with 3 or more units) and certain other living facilities are covered under a separate inspection program and are inspected annually per state law.

Q. How often are inspections required?

A. Rental homes are inspected annually. However, some may qualify for self-inspection in alternating years.

Q. What happens if my property fails inspection?

A. The City will notify the landlord of the violations and provide time to correct them. A follow-up inspection will verify compliance.

Q. What happens if I don’t register my rental property?

A. Failure to register may result in fines and inability to legally rent the property until registration and permitting requirements are met.

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Contact Information

If you have questions about rental registration, inspections, code compliance, or permits, please contact the Paducah Fire Prevention Division.

Paducah Fire Prevention Division
City Hall, First Floor
300 South 5th Street
Paducah, KY 42003
270-444-8522