Rental Housing Program

The Rental Housing Ordinance was adopted by City Council in 2000; the ordinance has been updated several times to reflect the evolution of the program. The primary intent of this ordinance is to protect single family neighborhoods and to establish minimum life safety standards for rental units. These standards apply to single family houses, duplexes, and townhouses. All rental houses must undergo an annual inspection for “livability standards” and obtain a permit.

Obtaining a rental housing permit

• Schedule an appointment and provide basic property information so that a rental record can be created in the City's Rental Tracking Program
• The property is inspected. Please note that the owner/agent must be present at time of inspection (current occupants must be given 24 hours advance notice of inspections)
• All items noted on inspection report must be corrected and unit reinspected-Permitting fee of $100 must be paid and permit is issued
• Permits are renewed annually (July 1 through June 30) 

Maximum Occupancy

The Clemson Zoning Ordinance establishes maximum household occupancy. The occupancy levels are established by the Zoning district where the dwelling is located. Family defined here (ordinance). Occupancy by district found here (19-404). Rental properties are required to have an occupancy label stating the legal number permitted for that dwelling as required by the Rental Housing Code (here).

Checklist for rental housing inspections

Listing of rental houses on file with occupancy limits

Rental Housing Program Staff

Jeremy Martin, Code Enforcement Officer - jmartin@cityofclemson.org

Beth Connor, Office Manager - bconnor@cityofclemson.org

1250 Tiger Blvd, Suite 4
Clemson, South Carolina 29631
Phone Number: 864-653-2050
Fax Number: 864-653-2057