Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What is the purpose of this program?
In 1991, the El Cerrito City Council adopted rules and regulations to implement the rental housing inspection program which is codified in Section 16.30 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code. The purpose of the program is to assure that rental housing units in the City are maintained in a safe and habitable condition and comply with all codes and standards applicable to rental housing.
Section 16.30.040 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code (ECMC) requires that each rental unit in the City be inspected every two years. If the property is in compliance with applicable codes and standards, a certificate of compliance shall be issued to the property owner.

What are the steps of the program for an owner?
Owners will receive an information packet in the mail containing: an informational letter, an owner information sheet, and a property survey. The owner information sheet requests current owner / property manager information plus additional details of properties owned. The property survey is intended to collect information to assist the City of El Cerrito with developing an assessment of the rental stock and housing needs of our community. Once these forms have been received by the City, the owner will be scheduled for inspection in approximately 30 days. Once units have passed inspection, a certificate of compliance will be issued, which will be valid for 2 years.

My units are under Section 8, aren't I exempt?
The owner will need to provide documentation with current dates stating their units are under Section 8. Landlords find it easy to send in the monthly voucher or stubs from the payments they receive from Section 8. The stubs must show the current date, address and unit. Once RRIP receives this documentation, we can exempt those units from the program. Any other units not under Section 8 will still need to be inspected.

I can't make the date of inspection, can I re-schedule?
Changes made only if owner gives 72 hours notice before scheduled inspection. The inspection can be re-scheduled for a date that doesn't exceed the two week period from when the original inspection was scheduled for. If it is less than 72 hours notice, the inspector will still arrive at the unit and a "no show" will be noted in the failed items letter, and a new inspection will automatically be re-scheduled.

What do you look for during an inspection?
The inspection normally takes 15-20 minutes. The program's scope includes interior unit conditions as well as exterior conditions such as parking lots, driveways, landscaping and accessory structures, fences, walls, trash enclosures, swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. The inspector will also check for electrical work and fire hazards. The owner or owner's designee must accompany the inspector during the inspection. A designee must be 18 years or older to give the inspector access to the unit. Tenants are welcome to be present during the inspection. All units will be inspected in one day or, in cases of large complexes, over a series of pre-scheduled days. The inspector's focus is identifying substandard maintenance conditions that do not meet the minimum standards established by local and state laws.

What happens if violations are noted during the inspection?
Property owners will be issued a notice listing specific code violations found in each unit, as well as any exterior code violations. The notice will provide a specified time period in which the violations are to be corrected. The inspectors are available to answer any questions regarding the required repairs the property owner or owner's designee may have to help them successfully complete repairs. The inspector will return on the stated correction date and re-inspect the property to verify compliance.

What if the violations aren't corrected within the time period provided?
If, upon re-inspection, the property owner has not complied with the notice, then the City will initiate code enforcement action. The purpose of the enforcement action is to ensure that the property is brought into compliance. Typical enforcement action includes, but is not limited to, assessment of administrative citations, charging of re-inspection fees, and actual abatement of the violation(s) by a contractor hired by the City. All costs for abatement are billed to the property owner. Clearly, it is in the property owner's best interest to correct all of the violations within the specific timeframes listed on any notice issued.

Will the property owner receive documentation of the inspection results?
The property owner or agent will be furnished a copy of the inspection report. Additionally, a "Certificate of Compliance" will be sent once all items have either been approved or corrected.

What if violations occur during the two-year period?
If staff receives a complaint about conditions at the property, an inspection will be conducted. Staff will also conduct inspections if exterior violations are noted. If corrections are not made within the time allowed by the ordinance, or if the violations identified are caused by deferred maintenance or immediately affect the health and safety of the residents the property will be inspected immediately. The owner will have to pay the inspection fee for the remaining units left to be inspected, plus any citations or abatement costs.

Is a business license required for rental property?
If you have rental properties in the City of El Cerrito, you need to have a business license. Any questions regarding business licenses are directed to the Administrative Services Department.

What number can I call or fax if I have questions?
Telephone: 510-690-8261
Fax: 510-690-8201

What is the mailing address?
Residential Rental Inspection Program
Mailing Address: 3020 El Cerrito Plaza #407
El Cerrito, CA 94530