Why California’s New Deck Inspection Laws Deserve Your Full Attention

California is taking a bold step forward in building safety, and it’s time for property managers, HOAs, and apartment owners to pay attention. With the full implementation of SB 326 inspections and SB 721 inspections, responsible ownership now includes scheduled evaluations of balconies, decks, staircases, and other elevated structures. These aren't just formalities—they're essential.

1. From Tragedy to Legislation

In 2015, a catastrophic balcony collapse at a Berkeley apartment claimed six lives and spurred swift legislative response. The result: two critical laws designed to enhance safety in multifamily housing:

• SB 721 (2018): Requires apartment deck inspection SB 721 for rental buildings with three or more units.
• SB 326 (2019): Applies to condos and HOAs, mandating HOA deck inspection SB 326 for common interest developments.

These laws require periodic deck inspections, balcony inspections, and staircase inspections to ensure these critical structures remain safe over time.

2. Who Needs to Act—and When?

Both laws now share a unified compliance deadline: January 1, 2026, giving owners additional time to prepare.

• SB 721: Applies to rental buildings; inspections are required every 6 years.
• SB 326: Targets HOA-managed properties; inspections are required every 9 years.

Missing deadlines can result in fines, legal consequences, and safety liabilities.

3. What Happens During an Inspection?

Professional inspections cover comprehensive structural checks of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) including:

• Wooden joists, beams, and structural supports
• Load capacity and visible wear
• Drainage and waterproofing
• Rail stability, fasteners, and waterproof membranes

Inspectors look for early signs of damage—from corrosion to rot—to prevent dangerous collapses. Reports from these evaluations guide necessary repairs and help prioritize maintenance tasks.

4. Why These Laws Matter

It’s not about red tape—it’s about lives and liability.

• Safety First: Prevent accidents on balconies, stairs, or decks before they happen.
• Legal Shielding: Demonstrating compliance helps prevent lawsuits and code violations.
• Preserve Value: Regular structure checks avoid neglected repairs that erode property value.
• Insurance Benefits: Documentation from deck inspections supports coverage requirements.

These inspections—whether balcony inspection, deck inspections, or staircase inspections—serve as proactive risk management for every property.

5. Who Is Qualified to Inspect?

These laws require inspections by licensed professionals:

• Architects
• Structural or civil engineers
• Qualified general contractors (CSLB Class B or C-5) with relevant experience

Importantly, inspectors must not perform both inspection and repair work to avoid conflicts of interest.

6. How to Stay on Track

A simple roadmap to compliance:

• Document all elevated elements: decks, balconies, staircases, walkways
• Schedule inspections well before January 2026
• Ensure the inspector issues a compliant, detailed report
• Complete any remediation—urgent issues typically within 120 days; others as allowed locally
• Keep records for future reference, audits, or resale requirements

Clear organization helps avoid compliance lapses and legal headaches.

7. Common Inspection Findings

Inspections often uncover:

• Wood rot, warping, and decay
• Corroded fasteners or weakened connectors
• Faulty waterproofing or poor drainage
• Sagging floors or loose railings

Early detection means lower repair costs and greater safety.

8. Legal & Financial Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to act can lead to:

• Fines or penalties
• Mandatory vacancies or emergency repairs
• Insurance denials
• Property devaluation
• Exposure to lawsuits from accidents or injuries

On the other hand, compliance safeguards your financial and legal standing.

9. Trends & Technology in Inspections

The industry is evolving fast:

• Drones and thermal imaging now assist with early damage detection in deck inspections.
• Other states are watching—SB 721 and SB 326 may become models for national building safety reforms.

Staying ahead by using advanced technologies improves accuracy, speeds assessment, and could become the new norm.

10. Final Thoughts

California’s SB 721 inspections and SB 326 inspections are mandatory, urgent, and life-saving. Whether it’s HOA deck inspection SB 326 or apartment deck inspection SB 721, these evaluations are critical for safe and responsible property management.

By scheduling balcony inspections, deck inspections, and staircase inspections now—well before the January 2026 deadline—you ensure legal compliance and protect your community.

Take action today. Safety, compliance, and peace of mind start with one inspection.