Housing Code Enforcement Inspections

The City of Berkeley performs inspections of rental units to ensure they meet safety requirements defined by the California Building Standards Code. Both tenants and property owners can request inspections by the City. For information about requesting an inspection as a tenant, see the Tenant Request for Housing Inspection page.

The City inspects properties in response to tenant complaints

The City has the authority to inspect any housing unit, but will prioritize inspecting units where tenants have submitted a complaint to Housing Code Enforcement. If your tenant submits a request for inspection, the City will schedule a date and time for the inspection.

Property owners should be present at the inspection. There is no fee for the initial inspection. If the inspector does not find any code violations, a certificate of compliance will be issued.

If the inspector finds any code violations, the City will provide a written report of the issue and set a timeline for correction. The property owner is responsible for correcting the violation before the City returns for a re-inspection. If the re-inspection finds that the property owner resolved the violation, the City will not charge a fee. If the re-inspection finds that the violation remains, the City will charge an inspection service fee, with costs increasing with each additional re-inspection. See the fee schedule for details.

Rental property owners can request an inspection by the City

Property owners can request an inspection by the City of Berkeley by completing an Owner’s Request for Inspection form. If the City inspects your units, you will not have to perform a self-inspection and complete the RHSP Self-Certification Checklist (Schedule A) for three years from the date of compliance (unless the City revokes your certificate of compliance before then). If code violations are observed during the inspection, the City will provide a written report of the issue with a timeline for correction. The property owner is responsible for correcting the violations prior to the first re-inspection, if the re-inspection finds that the violation remains, inspection service fees will be charged with costs increasing with each additional re-inspection. See the fee schedule for details.

Request an inspection online

You can request an inspection online by following the steps below:

1. Register for or log into an existing account on the online service center
2. Select the Housing tab  and click Create a Inspection Request
3. Review and accept the disclaimer, then click Continue Application
4. Select Owner Inspection Request, then enter the property owner/responsible party contact information, property address and unit information, and any additional comments
5. After submittal an inspector will contact you regarding your request

Other Ways to request an inspection

If you are unable to submit an inspection request online, you can submit an Owner's Inspection Request in one of the following ways:

• Print the Request for Inspection form and send by postal mail or email to Housing Code Enforcement.
• Call the Housing Code Enforcement office at (510) 981-5444 and request that a form be mailed.
• Come into the Housing Code Enforcement office located at 1947 Center Street, 3rd Floor in the Permit Service Center to complete the form.  The Permit Service Center is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8:30-4:30.

Submittals can be sent to:

The City may not be able to accommodate all requests for inspections, and will notify you if your request cannot be granted. The City will prioritize requests for units that are vacant or where there are multiple grouped together.

It is your responsibility to coordinate with your tenant so that they allow the inspector to enter their unit on the scheduled date and time. It is recommended that the owner or their representative be present during the inspection.