San Rafael, CA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Cycle
- Once every 5 years minimum
- Covers
- Apartments 3+ units, hotels 6+ rooms
- Notice
- 5 business days advance written notice
- Fee
- Annual inspection fee by resolution
Summary
Every San Rafael apartment building and hotel gets a code enforcement inspection at least once every five years, whether or not a tenant has complained.
Every owner of an apartment or hotel located within the City of San Rafael shall permit the city's periodic inspection of the apartment and hotel...The community development director, or his or her designee, shall cause each apartment and hotel to be inspected by the city's code enforcement officials once every five (5) years, or more frequently as needed, to ensure compliance with all applicable city ordinances or other laws relating to such housing.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Under § 12.310.030, owners of apartments (three or more rental units) and hotels (six or more guest rooms) inside San Rafael city limits must let the city inspect the property after notice. The community development director or a designee has code enforcement officials inspect each covered building on a five-year cycle, or more often if needed, to check compliance with city ordinances and substandard-housing rules. Owners get a certificate of compliance once violations found in the inspection are corrected, and the city can charge an annual inspection fee to cover administrative costs, recoverable as a lien if unpaid.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected violations are pursued through Chapters 1.42, 1.44 or 1.46 remedies; unpaid inspection fees can become a lien against the property recorded with the Marin County recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducts San Rafael's rental inspections?
What properties are exempt from the periodic program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California rental inspections overview
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