San Bernardino, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

San Bernardino Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 requires any person engaging in a business activity within the city, including renting residential property, to obtain and renew annually a business registration certificate issued by the Office of the City Clerk. Landlords must list each rental address, the number of units, and a local agent for service of process if the owner lives outside California. Fees are calculated on annual gross receipts and typically run from about 100 to several hundred dollars per year for small portfolios. In addition, San Bernardino has operated a Residential Rental Inspection Program through Code Enforcement that requires registration of rental units and periodic interior and exterior inspections to verify compliance with the California Building Code, Fire Code, and state habitability standards under Civil Code 1941.1 and Health and Safety Code 17920.3. Properties that pass with no violations are placed on a longer inspection cycle of up to five years, while properties with repeat violations may be inspected annually. Landlords must provide tenants at least 24 hours of written notice before any city inspection under Civil Code 1954. Failure to register or to clear inspection items can result in administrative citations under Municipal Code Chapter 8.30 and, for serious habitability issues, referral to the City Attorney. Registration status and inspection records are public, and prospective tenants can verify a landlord standing by calling (909) 384-5122.