San Bernardino's Rental Inspections: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental inspections a little differently. In San Bernardino, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tenant Complaint Process

San Bernardino code enforcement can inspect any rental property at any time in response to a complaint alleging code violations, independent of the scheduled inspection cycle. Owners and tenants can also request a voluntary inspection to confirm compliance before a dispute escalates, and a confirmed violation can be pursued as a public nuisance.

Key details: Governing section: § 15.26.140, Complaint-Based Inspections. Trigger: Any complaint alleging a code violation. Independent of: Scheduled biennial/annual inspection cycle. Voluntary option: Owner or occupant may request inspection. Nuisance declaration: Noncompliant rental is a public nuisance.

A violation confirmed through a complaint-based inspection is enforced the same way as any other Chapter 15.26 violation: notice and an order to correct under § 15.26.090, followed by an administrative citation under Chapter 9.92, up to $100, then $200, then $500 within a year, if the owner does not comply, or prosecution as a misdemeanor or infraction under § 15.26.180 and § 1.12.010.

Inspection Programs

San Bernardino requires every single-family rental property in the city to undergo a periodic inspection by the Director of Community Development and Housing to confirm compliance with applicable housing and building laws. Owners who maintain a violation-free property for three years can qualify for a self-certification program that waives the site visit and fee.

Key details: Program: Single-family rental inspection, Ch. 15.26. Inspecting official: Director of Community Development and Housing. Notice period: 3 weeks before inspection, certified mail. Self-certification term: 3 years, no inspection or fee. First admin citation fine: Up to $100.

Failing to permit the inspection, pay the required fee, or correct a noted deficiency violates Chapter 15.26 under § 15.26.090 and can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or, at the City Attorney's discretion, an infraction under § 15.26.180 and § 1.12.010. Uncorrected deficiencies draw an administrative citation under § 9.92.040: up to $100 for a first citation, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 after that, with delinquent fees becoming a lien on the property.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Bernardino actively enforces its inspection programs requirements.

The Bottom Line

San Bernardino's rental inspections rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that San Bernardino can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.