Highland, CA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Chapter 15.52 of the Highland Municipal Code is built on owner self-certification. Under § 15.52.070, the owner makes both exterior and interior inspections of the residential rental unit and uses Civil Code Section 1954 for the interior inspection. Under § 15.52.080, the director prepares a checklist certifying that health and safety, building code and fire code violations do not exist on the unit. The owner signs it and attaches it to the application, and the city shall not issue a business license without it.

The city's own inspection is done from the public right-of-way, within two weeks of a complete application, and checks compliance with city and state codes on zoning, building, health, safety and property maintenance. If the unit complies, the director approves a business license certificate. If violations are noted, the city gives written notice to the owner, the local property manager and each affected unit within 15 working days following the inspection, with a reinspection date and a statement that the lessor cannot retaliate against a lessee under Civil Code Section 1942.5. Violations must be corrected within 30 days of receipt of the notice, or as the director approves or requires.

If violations remain at reinspection, the director withholds the certificate and an administrative citation issues under HMC § 2.56.050. When the uncorrected violations pose no immediate threat, the director can authorize occupancy for a period not to exceed 90 days. A cited vacant unit cannot be occupied until the violations are corrected.

Section 15.52.020 exempts boarding houses, granny flats, hospitals, convalescent care facilities and nursing homes, mobilehomes within mobilehome parks, owner-occupied units, and units occupied by an owner's family member who provides no financial compensation. The certificate expires one year from issuance (§ 15.52.090), and the owner pays a renewal fee each year (§ 15.52.100).