City of Austin International Property Maintenance Code Local Amendments Adopted

On April 10, 2025, the Austin City Council voted to adopt local amendments to the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).

The International Property Maintenance Code amendments take effect July 10, 2025. 

Representatives from the Austin Apartment Association (AAA), including Executive Vice President Emily Blair and Past President Lyndsay Hanes, spoke at the meeting to share concerns from the rental housing industry about certain elements of the revised code.

Blair addressed the impact of the new air conditioning requirement, noting that older properties, particularly those built before central HVAC systems were common, may face significant financial challenges retrofitting all habitable rooms to meet the standard. AAA has requested consideration of a grandfathering clause or extended compliance timelines for these properties. A more detailed summary of the A/C mandate is available here.

Hanes focused on Section 105.3, which pertains to the right of entry for code inspectors. She highlighted concerns from property managers regarding inspections where city staff may ask tenants about issues not previously reported to the property.

This can result in notices of violation for unreported items, which owners may not have been aware of or had the opportunity to address. These violations may also count toward the criteria for placement in the Repeat Offender Program, which includes increased inspections and fees.

Hanes also recommended allowing inspectors to extend compliance timelines beyond the standard 90 days in cases where properties have recently changed ownership. New owners, she noted, may inherit pre-existing issues and face delays related to permitting or contractor availability.

In response to feedback from AAA, Council Member Chito Vela introduced a forthcoming resolution to create a standards document clarifying inspection criteria. The goal is to provide consistency in code enforcement and improve understanding among property owners and tenants. The resolution is expected to be brought forward at a Council meeting in early May.

While only one of AAA’s proposed amendments was incorporated into the final action, AAA wants to express its gratitude to the City Council, city staff, and Austin Code for engaging in dialogue throughout the process.

There is still important work ahead to strengthen the relationship between housing providers and residents, preserve affordable housing, and ensure that code enforcement is fair and equitable. The Austin Apartment Association looks forward to continued collaboration with city leaders.

The International Property Maintenance Code amendments take effect July 10, 2025.