Rental Inspections in Novato, CA (2026)
2 verified rental inspections rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Inspection Programs
Every owner of an apartment building or hotel in the City of Novato must let the city inspect each building, every apartment or guest room, and the grounds one time each calendar year, or more frequently if needed. The city gives at least 20 days of written notice, charges an annual fee set by council resolution, and issues a certificate of compliance once violations are fixed.
Novato Annual Apartment and Hotel Inspection Program
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 4-14.03
4-14.03 Periodic Housing Inspections. Every owner of an apartment building or hotel located within the City of Novato shall permit the city to periodically inspect each apartment building or hotel, including each apartment or guest room located within, and the real property on which such apartment building or hotel is located, provided that notice is given as is required under this chapter. The...
Tenant Complaint Process
In the City of Novato, code enforcement officials can inspect any apartment building, hotel, apartment, guest room, or the real property in response to a complaint from any person about code violations or other violations of law. This authority sits alongside the annual inspection program and is not limited by it.
Novato Complaint-Based Inspections of Apartments and Hotels
Light RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 4-14.05
4-14.05 Complaint-based Inspections. Nothing contained within this section shall limit or restrict the authority of the city's code enforcement officials to inspect any apartment building or hotel, or any apartment or guest room located within, or the real property thereon, in response to a complaint made by any person concerning code violations or other violations of law being committed at suc...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Rental Inspections in Marin County →