Landlord Setup For Creek’s Edge: Licenses & Inspections

Planning to rent your Creek’s Edge home and not sure where to start? You are not alone. Between city licensing, inspections, and HOA rules, the setup can feel complex. This quick guide walks you through what Columbia requires in 2025, how to pass inspection the first time, and what to know about short‑term rentals. Let’s dive in.

Who must get licensed in Creek’s Edge

If you plan to lease a single‑family home in Creek’s Edge, you need a City of Columbia Certificate of Compliance before tenants move in. The requirement applies to single‑family homes, duplexes, and owner‑occupied homes with tenants, including rent‑to‑own arrangements. Operating a rental without a current certificate is unlawful under the city program. Learn more on the City of Columbia’s Rental Housing Compliance page.

City of Columbia Rental Housing Compliance

2025 licensing rules at a glance

Beginning January 1, 2025, rental certificates are issued for five years. An inspection is required at each renewal, so your inspection cycle is every five years. If ownership changes, you can transfer the existing certificate for a small fee if you apply within 90 days of closing. Re‑inspection and no‑show fees can apply if a property is not ready or an appointment is missed.

Fees and scheduling

• Single‑family rental certificate: $130 per property.
• Re‑inspection: $70 per unit.
• Fail to meet inspector: $40 per occurrence.
• Ownership transfer of certificate: $15 for the remainder of the term.

After you submit the application, any required HVAC certification form, and the fee, the city will set your inspection. Many properties can be self‑scheduled through an emailed link. If you do not self‑schedule within three business days, staff will assign a slot.

Step by step: from application to approval

Before you apply

• Confirm Creek’s Edge HOA leasing rules, any caps, and any STR restrictions. Review the Creek’s Edge HOA FAQs or contact the community manager for current policies.

Creek’s Edge HOA FAQs

• If your home has fuel‑burning appliances, arrange an HVAC inspection with a licensed mechanic and obtain the HVAC certification form. If your home is all‑electric, you will sign the city’s declaration instead.

Submit and schedule

• Complete the city’s rental license application, attach the HVAC certification or declaration, and pay the fee.
• Watch for the self‑scheduling email and pick a time. If you do not schedule within three business days, the city will set the appointment.

Apply and schedule with Neighborhood Services

Prepare for inspection

• Walk your home using the checklist below. Most issues are simple to fix in advance and can prevent re‑inspection fees.

What inspectors check

City inspectors evaluate rentals using the International Property Maintenance Code and local rules. Typical items include:

• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, proper locations and working order.
• Heating and hot water systems, safe venting for fuel‑burning appliances.
• Electrical safety, outlets and switches, GFCI where required.
• Plumbing leaks and working fixtures.
• Doors, windows, stairs, handrails, and clear egress paths.
• Exterior maintenance such as peeling paint, gutters, siding, and walkways.
• Fire safety items where required.

You can review city guidance on common inspection topics here:

City guidance on inspection items

Pre‑inspection checklist

Use this quick list before your appointment:

• Mechanical and safety
  • Obtain HVAC certification if you have gas or other fuel‑burning appliances.
  • Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries or units as needed.
  • Verify heat and hot water are working.
• Electrical and structural
  • Replace broken outlets or switches, add GFCI protection in kitchens, baths, and exterior outlets where required.
  • Check handrails, guardrails, door and window hardware, and confirm egress windows open easily.
• Interior and exterior
  • Fix leaks, patch holes, repair broken windows or screens.
  • Address peeling paint, clean gutters, and remove yard debris.
  • Make sure address numbers are visible from the street.
• Documentation
  • Keep HVAC certificate, repair receipts, and device model info handy for the inspector.

Common fails to avoid

City staff often see preventable issues: missing or expired smoke or CO alarms, HVAC or water heater problems, electrical defects, window or door issues, and exterior maintenance. Addressing these items first can save a re‑inspection fee and time.

See common inspection pitfalls reported locally

Short‑term rentals in Creek’s Edge

Short‑term rentals follow a separate city process. As of June 1, 2025, many STRs require zoning approval, an STR Certificate of Compliance, and a City Business License. Operators must also remit a 5% accommodation tax electronically and provide a local contact who can respond 24/7 if needed. HOA covenants may prohibit or limit STRs even if the city would allow them.

Review Columbia’s short‑term rental regulations

HOA rules still apply

Creek’s Edge is an HOA neighborhood, so city approval is not the only box to check. The HOA may have leasing caps, paperwork requirements, and STR restrictions. Always confirm current covenants with the association or its manager before you apply or advertise.

Check HOA resources and contacts

Enforcement and appeals

The city can investigate complaints, issue notices of violation, and assess re‑inspection or other fees. Persistent noncompliance can lead to additional enforcement. If you receive an IPMC‑related notice, you can appeal to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals within the stated time window.

Property Maintenance Board of Appeals information

Local resources

• City of Columbia Rental Housing Compliance: applications, HVAC forms, and scheduling.
  https://www.como.gov/neighborhood-services/rental-housing-compliance/
• Short‑term rental regulations and forms.
  https://beheard.como.gov/short-term-rentals-regulations
• Property Maintenance Board of Appeals.
  https://columbiapd.net/pmboa/
• Creek’s Edge HOA FAQs and contacts.
  https://www.creeksedgecolumbia.com/p/FAQ

Ready to rent with confidence?

Getting licensed in Creek’s Edge is straightforward when you know the steps. If you want local guidance on timing, paperwork, and how HOA rules fit with your goals, connect with ProMO Real Estate. We bring neighborhood‑level expertise and a hands‑on approach to help you move forward smoothly.

ProMO Real Estate

FAQs

What license do I need to rent a Creek’s Edge single‑family home?

• You need a City of Columbia Certificate of Compliance, which is valid for five years and requires an inspection at each renewal.

How much is Columbia’s rental certificate and what fees apply?

• The single‑family certificate is $130, with possible re‑inspection fees of $70 and a $40 fee if an inspector cannot access the property.

Do I need an HVAC inspection for gas appliances in Columbia rentals?

• Yes, if you have vented fuel‑burning appliances you must submit an HVAC certification with your application, and it is required every five years; all‑electric homes sign a city declaration instead.

What are common reasons Columbia rental inspections fail?

• Missing or nonworking smoke and CO alarms, HVAC or water heater issues, electrical defects, window or door problems, and exterior maintenance items are the most common.

Can I operate a short‑term rental in Creek’s Edge?

• Possibly, but STRs require city approval, an STR certificate, a business license, 5% accommodation tax remittance, and compliance with HOA covenants that may prohibit STRs even if the city allows them.