The goal of the Residential Rental Inspection Program is to ensure that rental housing units are decent, safe and sanitary and comply with all codes and standards.
Rental units in the City of El Cerrito must 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.

A rental unit includes an apartment house, in-law unit, duplex, or 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.
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 for the first 2 years from the occupancy approval date.
• Units occupied by the legal owner of the property

We are pleased that you have invested in our community and look forward to working with you to ensure all rental dwelling units in the City are decent, safe and sanitary. Should you have any questions regarding

The City contracts with a third party provider to carry out the rental inspection program. If you have questions, call the housing inspection program help line at 510-690-8261.

FAQ
Go to the FAQ Page (or, scroll all the way down on this page) for answers to some common rental inspection program questions.

Resources for Landlords:

• The Inspection Checklist is designed to assist owners in determining whether their properties will pass inspection under the City of El Cerrito Residential Rental Inspection Program. 
• Water Heater Diagram 
• Business License Information - Landlords must have a Business License (renewed annually).

Sample Forms:

• Property Information Form
• Property Owner Information 

Other sites:

• CA Dept. of Consumer Affairs
• 2-1-1 Database: Housing