Deck Inspection Requirements in California

Why Deck Inspection Requirements Matter Now More Than Ever

For California property owners, understanding deck inspection requirements is no longer just a good idea — it’s part of responsible building management. With new statewide laws like SB 721 and SB 326 setting clear standards for multifamily residential buildings, inspections are becoming a routine part of ownership, much like maintaining a roof or servicing HVAC systems.

But while the laws are new, the risks they address are not. Water intrusion, structural wear, and deferred maintenance have long been leading causes of exterior deck and walkway issues. These elements are often out of sight and out of mind — until they fail. The goal of the new inspection laws isn’t to create red tape. It’s to make sure elevated structures are safe, sound, and built to last.

At California Deck Inspection (CDI), we see these laws as an opportunity — not a burden. By making deck inspections predictable, transparent, and affordable, we help owners and HOAs stay ahead of potential problems without the disruption or pressure that often comes with inspections tied to repair sales.

This guide is designed to break down deck inspection requirements in plain language, highlight what matters most, and show how property owners can stay compliant without overcomplicating the process.

Deck Inspection Requirements Aren’t the Same for Everyone

Not all buildings fall under the same set of rules — and that’s where most of the confusion starts. Depending on your property type and how it’s owned or managed, you may fall under one law, both, or neither.

SB 721 applies to most apartment buildings with three or more units. These are typically non-owner-occupied rental properties. If your property has elevated elements like balconies, walkways, landings, or staircases that are over six feet off the ground, inspections are required on a recurring basis.

SB 326, on the other hand, applies to condominiums and buildings managed by HOAs. These inspections are focused on structures that are part of common interest developments — especially those shared or maintained by the association.

Many building owners are surprised to learn that private balconies, walkways, and exterior stairs are included in the scope, especially when they appear to be in decent shape. But the law isn’t about aesthetics — it’s about catching early signs of wear before they become costly safety issues.

Not sure where your property falls? A quick consultation can usually clear things up. CDI offers straightforward guidance, without pushing unnecessary inspections or repairs. We believe compliance starts with clarity — and knowing which rules apply is the first step.

The Truth About What the Law Doesn’t Require

A lot of confusion around deck inspections comes from what people think the law says — not what it actually says. One of the biggest misconceptions? That compliance requires invasive testing, destructive drilling, or bundled repair work. It doesn’t.

Both SB 721 and SB 326 are focused on visual, professional evaluations of elevated exterior elements. Nowhere in either law is destructive testing a baseline requirement. In fact, many properties can be fully inspected from the exterior without opening up walls or disrupting residents.

At CDI, we’ve completed thousands of fully compliant inspections without drilling a single hole. Our method is rooted in experience and guided by what actually matters for long-term structural performance — visible signs of wear, water intrusion points, and the integrity of protective membranes and railings.

Another thing the law doesn’t require? Tying inspections to repair work. Yet many firms use inspections as a foot in the door to upsell costly fixes — sometimes before the report is even complete. At CDI, we don’t sell repairs. That’s by design. It keeps our inspections neutral, transparent, and focused on facts, not sales.

So while the rules are real, they’re not as invasive or complex as they’re sometimes made out to be. And getting compliant doesn’t have to mean tearing anything apart.

What a Compliant Deck Inspection Should Include (and What to Avoid)

Not all inspections are created equal. While the law sets the framework, how the inspection is carried out can vary widely — and that matters.

A thorough, compliant deck inspection should assess all elevated exterior elements that people walk on or occupy: balconies, walkways, stair landings, decks, and entries — especially those supported by wood and sitting six feet or more above ground. These structures are where water, movement, and time can quietly weaken materials.

A well-run inspection clearly articulates structural issues. It documents actual conditions — with clear photos, a summary of findings, and practical recommendations, not alarmist ones. It also includes the proper compliance language required under SB 721 or SB 326, so your report holds up if you’re ever asked to prove you’ve followed the law.

Here’s what to avoid: vague reports with limited documentation, inspections that recommend repairs without clear evidence, or companies that push upgrades as part of the process. These are signs that the inspection may be more about generating work than documenting real conditions.

At CDI, our process is simple: inspect, document, deliver. We use non-invasive techniques to identify visible signs of dry rot, water damage, membrane failure, and railing issues — and we stand behind every report with clarity and consistency.

A good inspection should leave you informed, not overwhelmed. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to every time.

How Often Are Inspections Required? A Law-by-Law Breakdown

Once your initial inspection is complete, it’s not a one-and-done scenario. Both SB 721 and SB 326 set timelines for how often properties need to be re-evaluated — but the schedules differ, depending on the type of building.

Under SB 721, most apartment buildings with three or more units must be reinspected every six years. The law focuses on maintaining ongoing safety for tenants, which means regular checks of exterior elevated elements are part of standard operations moving forward.

SB 326, which applies to condominiums governed by HOAs, follows a nine-year cycle. This longer interval still requires the same level of diligence, but is designed to align with reserve studies and long-term maintenance planning.

Importantly, the timeline begins after the first inspection is completed — not when the law was passed. That means if your property hasn’t been inspected yet, the clock hasn’t officially started.

There are also situations that may call for earlier follow-ups, such as major repairs, structural modifications, or conditions found in a previous report that warrant closer monitoring. But in most cases, sticking to the standard cycle is enough to stay compliant and proactive.

At CDI, we help clients track these cycles with minimal hassle. Whether you manage one property or dozens, we’ll make sure you know what’s next — and when it’s time to schedule again.

Understanding “Pass/Fail”: What If a Deck Doesn’t Comply?

A common question we hear is: What happens if something doesn’t pass inspection? The answer depends on what was found — and how it’s documented.

In both SB 721 and SB 326 inspections, the goal isn’t to assign a score, but to identify whether any structural elements pose a safety risk, need maintenance, or should be monitored over time. The report will clearly outline which elements are in acceptable condition and which need attention.

If an issue is found, it doesn’t mean a red tag or immediate repairs. In most cases, owners are simply required to address the problem within a reasonable timeframe. That might mean scheduling repairs, reinforcing a compromised area, or taking preventative steps to slow further deterioration.

The key is documentation. A well-structured report helps owners, HOAs, and property managers make informed decisions — not rushed ones. At CDI, we focus on delivering findings in plain language, supported by photos and maintenance notes that make next steps clear.

What we don’t do is dramatize the results or push for unnecessary fixes. Since we don’t offer repairs, our findings are unbiased. That gives clients the freedom to choose how and when to move forward, without pressure.

Ultimately, inspections are about awareness — not punishment. And knowing exactly where your building stands is always better than guessing.

Common Mistakes That Property Managers and HOAs Make

Deck inspections don’t have to be complicated — but there are a few recurring missteps we see that can lead to added cost, confusion, or stress down the line.

1. Waiting too long to schedule.
While the law allows time to comply, many property managers and boards wait until they’re up against a deadline before reaching out. This often means fewer scheduling options, rushed decisions, and more difficulty coordinating access with tenants or homeowners. Getting on the calendar early ensures a smoother process with less disruption.

2. Choosing inspectors tied to repair work.
Some companies offer inspection services as a lead-in to sell repair projects. This can create a conflict of interest, especially when the same team identifying issues stands to profit from fixing
them. At CDI, we’ve built our entire model on avoiding that conflict. We inspect and report — nothing more.

3. Assuming all properties are treated the same.
HOA boards sometimes think their buildings fall under the same inspection rules as rental apartments, or vice versa. In reality, SB 721 and SB 326 apply differently depending on ownership structure and building use. A quick clarification early on can save time and effort later.

4. Overlooking documentation needs.
An inspection isn’t just about checking the deck — it’s also about how the findings are presented. Reports should include high-resolution images, legal language tied to the specific code, and maintenance recommendations that are clear and actionable. Not all providers deliver that level of detail.

Avoiding these pitfalls doesn’t require a complicated strategy — just a little guidance and the right partner. At CDI, we aim to simplify compliance by making the process as clear and stress-free as possible, from the first call to the final report.

Inside the CDI Method: Non-Invasive, No-Upsell, Fully Compliant

At California Deck Inspection, we’ve built our process around one goal: making compliance simple, transparent, and trustworthy.

Our approach starts with non-invasive, visual inspections. That means no drilling, no damage, and no surprises. We rely on decades of field experience to identify visible signs of wear and moisture intrusion — the things that matter most when it comes to the long-term safety of elevated decks, balconies, and walkways.

All of our inspectors are full-time CDI employees, not subcontractors or franchise operators. This ensures consistency across every inspection, whether you’re managing one building or an entire portfolio. We’ve found that having a dedicated team leads to more reliable reports and better outcomes for owners, HOAs, and property managers alike.

Perhaps most important: we don’t offer repairs. That’s not a side note — it’s a core part of how we operate. By keeping inspections and repairs completely separate, we avoid conflicts of interest and keep our recommendations focused purely on safety and compliance — not sales.

Our reports are clear, detailed, and include everything you need for your records or reserve studies. You’ll receive high-resolution photos, a pass/fail summary, and tailored maintenance guidance, all wrapped in a professional format that’s easy to share with your team or board.

It’s a straightforward process, backed by real expertise and designed to give you confidence — not complexity.

Retained Inspection Programs: The Secret to Stress-Free Compliance

For property managers and HOAs juggling multiple buildings or complex portfolios, staying ahead of recurring inspection cycles can quickly become a logistical challenge. That’s where a retained inspection program can make all the difference.

At CDI, we offer a Retained Inspector Program designed specifically for clients who want to take inspections off their recurring to-do list. It’s a long-term solution that provides structure, predictability, and peace of mind.

Here’s how it works: once you’re enrolled, we take responsibility for tracking your properties’ inspection timelines, ensuring you stay in sync with SB 721 or SB 326 requirements without having to chase dates or remember deadlines. You’ll get proactive scheduling, priority service, and consistent reporting across all properties — whether you manage a handful of units or an entire region.

The program also includes annual check-ins and compliance reviews. These quick touchpoints allow us to flag any changes in the law, confirm property details, and help you plan ahead. It’s not about adding more inspections — it’s about making the required ones easier to manage.

Clients tell us the biggest benefit isn’t just the convenience — it’s the confidence that nothing’s slipping through the cracks. With CDI as your ongoing inspection partner, you’ll always know where your buildings stand — and what’s next.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for Your Deadline?

Deck inspections are no longer a question of if — they’re simply part of responsible ownership in California. But that doesn’t mean the process has to be complicated, costly, or disruptive.

Whether you’re overseeing a single building or a growing portfolio, the most important step is to work with a provider who knows the law, respects your time, and delivers straightforward results. At California Deck Inspection, that’s our entire focus.

If you’re not sure where to start, or just want to confirm which requirements apply to your property, we’re here to help. A quick consultation can give you clarity, and a custom quote can show you exactly what to expect — no pressure, no surprises.

Staying compliant doesn’t have to mean adding more to your plate. With the right team, it’s one less thing to worry about.

Schedule your inspection or request a free consultation today — and check this one off your list with confidence.