First Reading of International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) at Austin City Council

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Austin City Council conducted the first reading of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). To approve updates to the international code, the Council must conduct two readings. The second and final reading is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, during the Council’s regularly scheduled meeting.

During the meeting, the Council heard testimony from one member of the public who requested consideration of a variance to the requirement that air conditioning (AC) be present in every habitable unit. He argued that the city should explore solutions that allow older properties, which may lack AC but have proper ventilation, to remain compliant with the code. He expressed concern that many older properties fall into this category and that property owners should not face penalties for owning older buildings. No other members of the public provided testimony.

While no action was taken during this meeting, the Council is set to vote on the adoption of the IPMC at the April 10th session.

AAA continues to advocate for policies that strike a balance between protecting tenant safety and making sure property owners can reasonably comply with regulations.

One key proposal is that enforcement actions should only be taken if tenants report a problem, and the landlord fails to address it within a reasonable timeframe. This approach would ensure that landlords aren’t penalized for issues they were unaware of or hadn’t been given a fair opportunity to fix.

Another proposal is the creation of a clear, standardized document, like what the City of Dallas uses, outlining the specific code violations that inspectors will be looking for. This would help remove subjectivity from the inspection process and provide both property owners and tenants with clear guidelines to follow.

AAA is also advocating for compliance timelines that align with state regulations, ensuring that property owners, especially those who acquire properties later in the process, have a reasonable window to address violations without facing unnecessary penalties.

By advocating for more balanced, sensible amendments, AAA is working to protect the interests of property owners while ensuring Austin remains a safe and habitable city for tenants. The property maintenance code affects all properties, so staying informed and involved in the discussion is crucial.

AAA encourages all property owners to attend the upcoming hearing or submit comments to share their perspectives. Ensuring that property owners' voices are heard is essential to achieving fair and effective regulations.

If you plan to provide testimony or comments, let your Council members know that you support AAA’s recommendations and advocate for standardized, streamlined property maintenance regulations that are both practical and effective.