Self Certification Check List
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Overview
This document outlines the mandatory standards for a "Self Certification Check List," likely used by landlords or property owners to verify that a residential unit meets local housing codes (specifically referencing Altoona, PA). It details the physical and safety requirements for various components of a dwelling.
Structural & Surface Requirements
- Ceilings: Must be in good condition with no large cracks, holes allowing drafts, or loose/falling plaster.
- Walls: Must be clean and sanitary with no peeling paint, loose plaster, rotten wood, or defective surfaces.
- Floors: Must be in good condition with no holes, large cracks, or missing/warped boards.
- Painted Surfaces: No peeling, chipping, or flaking paint allowed.
- Foundation: Must be in good condition with no large holes or cracks that allow air infiltration.
Windows, Doors & Exits
- Windows: Must be easily opened, weather-tight, and in sound condition.
- Fire Exits: Must provide a safe, continuous, and unobstructed means of exit from the structure.
- Entrance: Entry must be provided from the outside or a public hall; it cannot be through another resident's personal apartment.
Electrical & Wiring
- Wiring: Must be in working order. Every habitable space requires at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets.
- Prohibitions: Broken/frayed wiring, missing cover plates, and badly cracked outlets are not acceptable.
- General Electrical: Wiring and appliances must be properly installed and maintained in a safe, approved manner.
Plumbing & Water
- Sinks: Must be sanitary and safe with hot and cold running water.
- Tub/Shower: Required in every dwelling unit; must be sanitary and safe with hot and cold running water.
- Toilets: Must flush and work properly.
- Water/Sewage: Must have an approved public or private water supply and sewage disposal system.
- Plumbing: Must be in good condition with no leaks or serious rust. Fixtures must be safe, sanitary, and functional.
- Water Heater: Must be installed in good working order.
Safety Devices & Heating
- Smoke Detectors: Must be installed in working condition on every habitable floor (including basements) and in each sleeping room.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Must be installed on each floor containing a fuel-burning device (including basements) and near each sleeping room.
- Heat: Must be supplied from October 1 to May 15 to keep the home comfortably warm during cold months.
Exterior & Structural Safety
- Roof/Flashing: Must be sound, tight, and defect-free regarding rain admission. Gutters and downspouts must be in good condition and securely attached.
- Handrails: Required on every exterior/interior flight of stairs and any open portion of a stair, landing, porch, or balcony more than 30" above the floor/grade. Must be in good condition.
- Chimneys: Must be structurally safe, sound, and in good repair.
Mechanical & Other Rooms
- Mechanical Equipment: Fireplaces and solid fuel-burning appliances must be properly installed and maintained safely.
- Other Rooms: Unused rooms must be free from mechanical, electrical, and security hazards. Floors, ceilings, and walls must not have large holes, and stairways must be safe.