The New Year is Right Around the Corner! Are You SB 721 & SB 326 Compliant?
SB 721 and SB 326 require regular inspections of balconies and other exterior elevated elements in California apartment buildings and condominiums. Missing your deadline can result in fines, liability, and safety risks.
What are SB 721 and SB 326?
In response to a deadly balcony collapse at a UC Berkeley apartment complex in 2015, California adopted two laws – SB 721 and SB 326 – to protect residents and hold property owners accountable for building safety. Both laws focus on the inspection and maintenance of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) – including balconies, decks, landings, stairways, and elevated walkways made of wood or similar materials.
Here’s the breakdown:
- SB 721 – Applies to apartment buildings with three or more dwelling units and requires inspections every six years.
- SB 326 – Applies to condominium associations and HOAs and requires inspections every nine years, coordinated with the HOA’s reserve study.
The goal is clear – identify hazards before they become life-threatening. This is not a formality. It’s a legal requirement that could save lives.
Contact DrBalcony For A Professional Inspection!
Ensure the safety of your balcony and living space with DrBalcony – We're a Tech Engineering firm that specializes in California SB326 & SB721 balcony inspections. Over 300+ completed projects in California.
Why E3 (EEE) Laws Matter?
Structural failures can happen silently over time, especially in buildings exposed to rain, salt, air, and changing temperatures. Dry rot, corrosion, and water intrusion are some of the most common (and invisible) culprits.
If You’re Not Compliant, You’re at Risk For:
- Legal penalties and local enforcement action
- Lawsuits from tenants or injured parties
- Hefty repair bills due to unchecked damage
- Loss or denial of insurance coverage
- Decreased property value or difficulty selling
Beyond legal consequences, failing to inspect puts human lives at risk. These laws are not red tape. They are essential.
Attracting Quality Tenants and Discerning Buyers
Today’s tenants and condo buyers are more informed and selective. It’s not just about square footage or granite countertops anymore.
- Trust Factor: A building with updated inspections and maintenance tells people you care about their safety.
- Lower Turnover: Safer, well-maintained spaces tend to retain tenants longer—fewer vacancies, less hassle.
- Reputation Matters: Word travels. A proactive management approach boosts your property’s image and draws in residents who value reliability.
When Are Balcony Inspections Due in California?
Thousands of properties across California are already past due for required balcony inspections — or they are about to be. California’s two key balcony inspection laws: SB 721 and SB 326 set strict deadlines to ensure building safety. It’s crucial to know which law applies to your property and when your inspection is due to stay compliant and keep residents safe.
SB 721 (Apartment Buildings) – Applies to multifamily rental properties with 3 or more units. The first SB 721 inspection must be completed by January 1, 2026, for buildings constructed before 2019. After this initial balcony inspection, re-inspections are required every six (6) years to maintain ongoing safety compliance.
SB 326 (Condos & HOAs) – Applies to condominium complexes and other common interest developments managed by HOAs. The first SB 326 inspection was due by January 1, 2025. Subsequent balcony inspections under SB 326 are required every nine (9) years thereafter to ensure continued structural integrity.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. Even if your official deadline hasn’t arrived yet, schedule your balcony inspection early. This gives you ample time to budget for any repairs, plan around occupants, and avoid the rush as everyone scrambles to book inspectors close to the deadline. The closer we get to these dates, the harder it will be to find an available licensed inspector. Acting early means you’ll beat the backlog and ensure your property meets California’s balcony inspection requirements without last-minute stress.
Staying ahead of these deadlines not only keeps you compliant with SB 721 and SB 326 but also protects your tenants and investment. Schedule an inspection as soon as possible to avoid penalties and safeguard your building’s safety.
Contact DrBalcony For A Professional Inspection!
Ensure the safety of your balcony and living space with DrBalcony – We're a Tech Engineering firm that specializes in California SB326 & SB721 balcony inspections. Over 300+ completed projects in California.
Elements to Inspect include:
- Balconies, decks, and porches
- Exterior stairways, catwalks, and landings
- Elevated walkways and platforms
- Railings, guards, and supporting components
- Fasteners, framing, and waterproofing systems
What Inspectors Look For:
- Dry rot or fungal damage
- Rust or corrosion on metal supports
- Water intrusion and drainage failure
- Structural stability and weight-bearing integrity
- General wear and code compliance
Inspectors must provide a written report, which may include repair recommendations or note urgent safety concerns.
What to look for when selecting an inspection company
- Licensed structural engineers with deep experience in EEE inspections
- Digital inspection reports—clear, compliant, and accessible
- Repair coordination with vetted contractors if repairs are needed
- Deadline tracking so you never miss a compliance window
- Education and support to help property owners navigate the process
Don’t Let the Deadline Sneak Up on You
Many owners don’t realize they’re already out of compliance. Others assume the inspection will be fast or optional – until a code violation shows up at their door.
Even if your inspection deadline is still months away, early evaluations give you:
- More repair options and contractor availability
- Better budgeting for long-term maintenance
- Less stress when the real deadline approaches
Get Compliant Today
Remember, the SB 721 compliance deadline for apartment buildings is just five months away – January 1, 2026. If you have not yet contacted a balcony and deck inspection company to schedule a building inspection – do it today!
For more information about the balcony and deck inspection process, contact Dr. Balcony at 805-312-8508 or info@DrBalcony.com.