San Bernardino, CA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
BIENNIAL INSPECTION REQUIRED. All rental property located in the city shall be subject to an annual inspection by the Director for compliance with applicable laws.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 15.26 creates the single-family rental property inspection program. Section 15.26.060, titled 'Biennial Inspection Required,' states that 'all rental property located in the city shall be subject to an annual inspection by the Director for compliance with applicable laws.' The Director must mail written notice of the date and time to the owner at least three weeks before the inspection under § 15.26.080, sent by certified mail to the address on file with the County Assessor. Owners pay an annual inspection fee set by City Council resolution under § 15.26.070.
A property with no outstanding violations can apply for the self-certification program under § 15.26.130: after paying the fee and certifying exterior conditions the first year, the owner is exempt from inspection and the fee for the second and third years, with recertification required every three years. An owner who fails to permit the inspection, fails to pay the fee, or fails to correct a noted violation after written notice is in violation of the chapter under § 15.26.090, and re-inspections follow under § 15.26.100.
Uncorrected deficiencies can draw an administrative citation under Chapter 9.92, with fines up to $100 for a first citation, $200 for a second within twelve months and $500 for later ones under § 9.92.040(D); a recipient can request a hearing before the City Clerk within 15 days under § 9.92.080. Multi-family complexes of four or more units instead fall under the separate annual fire inspection of Chapter 15.25 and the maintenance-standards program of Chapter 15.27, which adds a mandatory eight-hour rental housing course for owners and managers.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is a San Bernardino rental property inspected?
Can I avoid the annual inspection fee?
What if I refuse to let the inspector in?
Does the inspection program apply to apartment buildings too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California rental inspections overview
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Inspection Programs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle inspection programs.