ICC 64 Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
Exam | Latest Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This comprehensive set of multiple-choice questions is designed for the ICC 64 Property
Maintenance and Housing Inspector Exam. The questions systematically cover the full
spectrum of exam topics, including the administrative and legal procedures for
enforcement (notices, orders, due process), the structural integrity of exterior and interior
building components, and the critical systems that ensure habitability such as plumbing,
mechanical, electrical, and fire safety. Emphasizing the application of the International
Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), the questions test an inspector’s ability to identify
violations related to sanitation, means of egress, occupancy standards, and the
maintenance of both accessory structures and fire protection systems, all framed within
the context of protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
QUESTION 1
What is the primary responsibility of the property owner regarding exterior property
maintenance according to the IPMC?
A) Only to maintain the interior of the dwelling
B) To maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with code
requirements
C) To ensure tenants maintain the landscaping
D) To obtain a permit for any exterior change
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The IPMC places the primary responsibility on the owner to
maintain both the structure and the exterior property in a safe and sanitary condition .
This is a foundational principle of property maintenance codes.
QUESTION 2
When is a vacant structure considered to be in violation of property maintenance codes?
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A) When it is not actively listed for sale
B) When it is maintained in a clean, safe, and secure condition
C) When it is maintained in a manner that causes a blighting problem or adversely
affects public health and safety
D) When the owner lives out of state
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: Vacant structures must be maintained to prevent them from
becoming a blight or a hazard to public health and safety . Allowing a vacant property
to fall into disrepair constitutes a violation.
QUESTION 3
What is the required condition for exterior property and premises regarding sanitation?
A) They must be landscaped annually
B) They must be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition
C) They must be paved or covered with gravel
D) They must be free of all vegetation
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Section 302.1 of the IPMC requires that exterior property and
premises be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition to prevent health
hazards . This is a general requirement for all properties.
QUESTION 4
How must premises be graded and maintained to comply with the IPMC?
A) To create a uniform slope towards the street
B) To prevent the erosion of soil and the accumulation of stagnant water
C) To channel water into the adjacent property
D) To allow for maximum runoff
CORRECT ANSWER: B
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EXPERT RATIONALE: Proper grading and drainage are essential to prevent soil erosion
and the pooling of stagnant water, which can lead to structural issues and create
mosquito breeding grounds . This is a key exterior property requirement.
QUESTION 5
What action must be taken when rodents are found on a property?
A) The owner must trap them and release them in a park
B) The owner must report the sighting to the health department only
C) They shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that are not injurious to
human health
D) Nothing, as rodents are a natural part of the environment
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: The IPMC mandates immediate extermination by approved
methods when rodents are found, followed by measures to prevent re-infestation . This
is crucial for public health and sanitation.
QUESTION 6
What is the standard for maintaining accessory structures like detached garages and
fences?
A) They must be painted every five years
B) They must be maintained structurally sound and in good repair
C) They must be removed if not used
D) They must be inspected annually by a structural engineer
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Accessory structures are not exempt from code requirements and
must be maintained in a structurally sound condition and good repair, similar to the
main structure . Neglecting them can lead to safety hazards.
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QUESTION 7
What is required for a swimming pool to be in compliance?
A) It must be heated year-round
B) It must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and in good repair
C) It must have a diving board
D) It must be drained and covered during the winter
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The IPMC requires that swimming pools be kept clean, sanitary,
and in good repair to prevent them from becoming a health or safety hazard . This
includes proper water treatment and structural integrity.
QUESTION 8
What constitutes an unsafe condition regarding structural members?
A) The member is painted a different color than the rest of the structure
B) The nominal strength is exceeded by nominal loads
C) The member was installed more than 20 years ago
D) The member is made of wood
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: A structural member is unsafe and must be repaired or replaced if
its nominal strength is exceeded by the loads or load effects acting upon it . This is a
direct structural safety requirement.
QUESTION 9
What condition is considered unsafe regarding foundation systems?
A) The foundation is made of concrete block
B) The foundation walls are not plumb and free from open cracks and breaks
C) The foundation has a crawl space
D) The foundation is below ground level