Residential Rental Inspection Program

The goal of the Residential Rental Inspection Program is to ensure that rental housing units are in compliance with the El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 16.30.

Rental property owners or managers, click the link below to access the "Licenses" portal, which will allow you to search rental license records and pay applicable fees. Note that to pay fees, you will need to create a user account and log into the eTRAKiT system.

Click Image to enter eTRAKiT

eTRAKiT

Did you receive a notice that you are due for an inspection?


If you have received written notice from the City of El Cerrito that you are due for an inspection, please follow the directions stated in the notice. Please fill out this form to request an inspection and someone from the City will call you to schedule. Payment is due when the inspection is scheduled.

What constitutes a rental unit?


A rental unit includes a dwelling unit in an apartment complex, an in-law unit, a duplex, or a single-family home, which is rented or occupied by any person other than the legal owner of the property for any portion of a year, regardless of whether any compensation is received.
Note: All property owners with rental units are required to obtain a City of El Cerrito business license and sign up for the City Rent Registry.


How long does a Rental Inspection take?

The rental inspection will take approximately thirty minutes to one hour. To best prepare for the rental inspection, we recommend you review the inspection checklist . If the rental unit is not compliant, you will receive a list of corrections and instructions in the mail, and compliance will be verified by a second inspection Failure to schedule a rental inspection may result in fines and/or fees.

Exemptions:

All residential rental units are subject to the code except:
  • Section 8 Housing Units that are inspected annually by the Housing Authority.
  • Newly constructed residential rental units less than five (5) years old.
  • Units occupied by the legal owner of the property
  • The property is vacant and will not be rented in the near future
If you believe that your property is exempt from the Residential Rental Inspection Program, please complete the Exemption Request Form and email it to rinspection@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or mail it to City Hall, to the attention of Rental Inspections.

Resources for Landlords and Home Owners:


Additional Resources: