The City of Berkeley inspects rental properties to ensure that they are safe and livable in response to requests from tenants or landlords. You can schedule your inspection online or through an automated 24-hour telephone system. The inspection can only be performed when the applicant (you) or the co-applicant is present. If the applicant or co-applicant is unable to meet with an inspector, a third party may be designated in writing and may be pre-authorized before the scheduled time and date for the inspection.
Now that we've addressed the most common and reasonable home repair requests, it's time to move on to the other end of the spectrum. Inspections are thorough, meaning the home inspector will examine all buildings, rental units, and common areas of your property to make sure they comply with building codes and regulations applicable to rental housing. Remember that FEMA staff and inspectors can call from an unknown or restricted phone number and make several attempts over a few days. The SCEP and complaint inspection programs help maintain the quality of life enjoyed by city residents.
You may need to schedule an inspection while construction works are underway, as well as a final inspection when the works are finished. It's important to note that while it's very common to negotiate home repairs, these repairs aren't mandatory and sellers can't be forced to fix anything in the inspection report. The inspector will visit your project site to ensure that you are following the plans you submitted to obtain your permit. In addition to negotiating a lower purchase price, the most common solution after an inspection is for the seller to pay for certain repairs as part of their purchase agreement.
Make sure you have all the required documentation, such as smoke and carbon monoxide affidavits, special inspection reports, and final engineering affidavits, available for the inspector. If your property is included in the Rental Escrow Account Program (REAP), an outreach contractor is required to visit the facility before scheduling a case management inspection. Over a few days, FEMA staff and inspectors can call from an unknown or restricted phone number and make several attempts to discuss damage caused by the disaster. Inspectors cannot visit your unit if you ask them to.
If you live in a public or multifamily home, you cannot ask a REAC inspector to inspect your unit on the day of the inspection. If your property fails the inspection, the inspector will issue an order listing all violations. The City of Berkeley inspects rental units to ensure that they meet safety requirements defined in the California Building Standards Code. Oregon Housing & Community Services 725 Summer Street NE, Suite B Salem, OR 97301-1266 800-453-5511.
