California’s balcony inspection laws — SB 326 and SB 721 — were passed in response to a tragic 2015 collapse and established important California balcony inspection deadlines for property owners. Those deadlines have now passed: SB 326 on January 1, 2025, and SB 721 on January 1, 2026. Owners of multifamily rental properties across the state are squarely in compliance territory, and any property that has not yet been inspected is accruing risk every day. Failing to meet these requirements can result in daily fines, civil liability, insurance complications, and — in serious cases — uninhabitable units that must be vacated.
This guide explains who is affected, what each law requires, what the inspection process looks like, what happens if a property is not compliant, and how to think about the next inspection cycle.
Background: Why These Laws Exist
In June 2015, a balcony collapsed at an apartment building in Berkeley, California, killing six people and injuring others. The investigation revealed that hidden wood rot, inadequate waterproofing, and missed maintenance had been allowed to progress for years. In response, the California legislature passed two related laws:
- SB 721 (effective January 1, 2019) — applies to apartment buildings with three or more units (non-condominium multifamily)
- SB 326 (effective January 1, 2020) — applies to condominium and HOA-governed buildings with three or more units
Together, these laws require periodic inspection of “Exterior Elevated Elements” — commonly referred to as EEEs — which include balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, landings, and similar load-bearing structures with walking surfaces more than six feet above ground level.
Who Is Affected
If you own a rental property in California with three or more units and any of the following exterior elements, you are likely subject to inspection requirements:
- Balconies
- Decks
- Exterior stairways and landings
- Exterior walkways
- Other elevated walking surfaces with wood-based or wood-like structural support
SB 721 applies to: Apartment buildings with three or more units that are not part of a common interest development (HOA).
SB 326 applies to: Condominium associations and other common interest developments with three or more units.
Single-family rentals, duplexes, and detached structures are not covered by these laws, although general habitability and code requirements still apply.
Compliance Status and Inspection Cycles
Both initial deadlines have now passed. Here is where each law stands as of 2026:
SB 721:
- Initial inspection deadline: January 1, 2026 (passed)
- Subsequent inspections required every six years from the date of the most recent inspection
- A licensed inspector must inspect a representative sample (minimum 15%) of each type of elevated element
- Grandfathering provision: properties inspected within three years prior to January 1, 2019 may qualify for relief from the initial inspection requirement, provided the inspection met statutory standards
SB 326:
- Initial inspection deadline: January 1, 2025 (passed)
- Subsequent inspections required every nine years from the date of the most recent inspection
- The HOA is responsible for the inspection, but individual owners and boards should confirm completion and retain a copy of the report
If your initial inspection has not been completed and your property is subject to either law, you are currently in non-compliance and should act promptly. If your initial inspection has been completed, the next required inspection date depends on when that inspection occurred — calendar it now and build it into your long-term capital planning.
What an Inspection Includes
A qualified inspector — typically a licensed structural engineer, architect, or certified contractor with the appropriate credentials — will evaluate the structural integrity of each Exterior Elevated Element. The inspection generally examines:
- Load-bearing components and connections
- Waterproofing systems and flashing
- Signs of dry rot, fungal growth, or insect damage
- Visible deterioration, deflection, or movement
- Drainage performance
The inspector then issues a written report classifying each element by condition, identifying any required repairs, and noting whether emergency action is needed.
If the report identifies hazards, owners generally have 120 days from the date of the inspection to complete required repairs. If the report identifies an immediate threat to safety, the property owner is required to act sooner — including, in some cases, restricting access to affected units or balconies until repairs are completed.
What Happens If You Do Not Comply
Non-compliance carries multiple layers of risk:
Civil penalties. Local enforcement agencies can assess fines for missed inspections or unaddressed repairs. Daily penalties commonly range from $100 to $500 per day and continue accruing until the violation is cured, so the cost of delay compounds quickly.
Civil liability. If a balcony or deck fails and someone is injured, an owner who has not completed required inspections faces significantly greater legal exposure. Insurance carriers may also deny coverage if statutory inspection requirements were not met.
Tenant rights. Tenants may have grounds to vacate or pursue habitability claims if a property is found to have unsafe Exterior Elevated Elements that have not been inspected or repaired.
Insurance implications. Many California property insurance carriers now require proof of SB 326 or SB 721 compliance at policy renewal. A missing inspection can affect both renewal terms and premium pricing.
How to Approach Compliance Practically
For most owners, the path forward is straightforward, even if the work is not trivial.
The first step is determining which law applies to your property based on its structure and ownership type. From there, hire a qualified inspector — credentials matter, and the inspector should be able to demonstrate that they meet the licensing requirements specific to SB 326 or SB 721.
Once the inspection is complete, retain the report. Keep it accessible for insurance renewals, refinancing, and any future sale of the property. If repairs are required, document the work, keep invoices, and have the inspector confirm corrected items in writing.
For owners with multiple buildings, coordinating inspections across the portfolio in a single engagement is generally more cost-effective and easier to track.
How a Property Management Company Can Help
A professional property management company should already be tracking inspection deadlines for your buildings, coordinating qualified inspectors, communicating with tenants about access, and maintaining documentation in your owner file. At Jamico Properties, we treat SB 326 and SB 721 compliance as a non-negotiable part of multifamily ownership — alongside other 2026 compliance changes affecting California landlords, including AB 628 refrigerator and stove requirements and other key California rental law changes for 2026.
If you own multifamily rental property in the South Bay or anywhere in California and want to confirm whether your property is compliant, request a free rental analysis or contact us to discuss your portfolio.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Property owners should consult a licensed inspector or attorney for guidance specific to their property.