CA SB721 – Mandatory Balcony, Deck, or Elevated Walkway Inspections

UPDATE: The inspection deadline for California SB 721 was extended one year to January 1, 2026. This extension was made by Assembly Bill 2579, which was signed by California’s Governor on September 28, 2024.

California Senate Bill 721 (SB 721), known as the “deck and balcony inspection” bill, has significantly impacted rental housing providers since its implementation on January 1, 2019. While the law was enacted with the intention of preventing tragic incidents like balcony collapses by mandating regular inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) in multi-family residential buildings, it has also introduced several challenges for rental owners and property managers. These challenges range from financial burdens to logistical
complexities, all of which can have far-reaching implications for the rental housing market.

National Law Review: Balcony Inspection Requirements