\t\t\t\t\tWhy this matters<\/p>\n
California law explicitly requires property owners and managers to provide and maintain safe, habitable housing.<\/p>\n
The clock is ticking for multi-family property owners to inspect balconies and other elevated structures to avoid fines and penalties.<\/p>\n
By Jan. 1, state law requires owners of all properties with three or more units to inspect walking surfaces that extend from the exterior wall at least 6 feet above the ground \u2014 such as balconies, decks, stairways, walkways and their railings. Failure to complete the inspection in time could lead to fines, liens, limited financing options or even loss of insurance coverage.<\/p>\n
The new law,\u00a0originally passed in 2018, was inspired by a balcony collapse<\/a> in Berkeley that killed six college students. The deadline to complete inspections was extended<\/a> to account for disruptions caused by COVID-19.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile most owners and managers already began the process, there were many that could not meet the deadline because of limitations during the pandemic and due to overwhelming demand placed on inspection companies,\u201d said Molly Kirkland, director of public affairs for the Southern California Rental Housing Association<\/a>. \u201cHousing providers should contact a qualified inspector immediately to meet the deadline if they have not already had an initial inspection.\u201d<\/p>\n There are nearly half a million apartment complexes throughout a state that only has 200 qualified inspectors, according to the American Apartment Owners Association.\u00a0<\/p>\n Inspections must be performed by a licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, or a specifically licensed building contractor. After initial inspection, the law requires a new inspection every six years. A list of qualified inspectors is available for Rental Housing Association members, Kirkland said.<\/p>\n Tenants living on properties subject to these inspections can file a complaint with their local code enforcement department if they feel owners or management refuse to comply. Tenants in San Diego can file a complaint with the city attorney\u2019s Housing Protection and Civil Code Compliance Unit<\/a>.<\/p>\n