SB 721 in 2026: the deadline passed, so what now?
By Cert-A-Roof · · 6 min read
The first round of SB 721 inspections for California apartment buildings with three or more units was due by January 1, 2026. If your building hasn't been inspected, the fix is to book the inspection now, get the report, and start on any repairs it lists. Here's what the law covers and how it works.
What SB 721 is
SB 721 is the California law, approved in September 2018, that requires periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements on multifamily buildings with three or more units. It followed the 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley.
Exterior elevated elements are load-bearing parts more than six feet above ground that rely on wood or wood-based products: balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, landings and their railings.
The SB 721 rules in one table
| Rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| Buildings covered | 3 or more multifamily units |
| First inspection | Due by January 1, 2026 |
| How often | Every 6 years after that |
| Sample | At least 15% of each type of element |
| Condos (SB 326) | Every 9 years, for associations |
| If owners don't comply | Per-day fines and safety liens |
If you missed the January 2026 deadline
Book the inspection now. A late inspection is a much better conversation with a city or an insurer than no inspection, and the report tells you whether there's anything urgent. Cert-A-Roof compiles the Cert-A-Deck® report within 24 hours of the inspection.
There's no prize for being the last building on the block to get it done. (We checked.)
What the inspector checks
- Structural condition of the sampled elements
- Waterproofing and flashing where the element meets the building
- Signs of dry rot, fungus, sagging or corrosion of connectors
- Guardrails and their attachment
- Expected future performance and projected service life
After the report
The report sorts findings into what needs repair, what needs watching, and what's fine. Owners then schedule repairs, keep the report on file and plan the next inspection six years out. Property managers usually share it with owners, boards and insurers, so it's written to be understood by people who aren't contractors.
Quick answers
When was the SB 721 deadline?
The first SB 721 inspections were due by January 1, 2026. After that, inspections repeat every six years.
What happens if I don't get an SB 721 inspection?
Owners who don't comply with SB 721 can face per-day fines and safety liens. Booking the inspection now and acting on the report is the fastest way back into compliance.
