What is the Periodic Housing Inspection Program?
The City of San Rafael developed the Periodic Housing Inspection Program to ensure that all residential rental property with three (3) or more units is safe and habitable. This program through systematic inspections, guarantees that those who reside in rental units in San Rafael have a safe, livable space which meets the City and State codes for habitability.
How does the program work?
All residential rental properties with three (3) or more units are inspected once every five (5) years or more frequently as needed. A property owner will be given a minimum of five (5) business days advanced written notice of the date and time of the periodic inspection. The city’s code enforcement officials will conduct a thorough exterior and interior inspection of the property.
Should deficiencies be found, the property owner will receive written notice listing the items that do not meet the requirements of City and State codes. Ample time is then given for the needed repairs to be made and a re-inspection will be conducted to verify that the corrective work has been done. If deficiencies are not corrected in the specified time, the property may be subject to an administrative action or civil or criminal prosecution.
What are the City inspectors looking for?
The City inspectors will be looking for any condition which affects the habitability of the property, including but not limited to:
(Click on camera to view pictures of violations)
- Lack of proper maintenance or unsanitary conditions in a building or on it’s premise;
- Deteriorated or defective interior walls, ceilings, floors or floor coverings;
- Deteriorated or defective exterior wall or roof coverings, wood trim or lack of weatherproofing;
- Buildings or portions that contain structural hazards;
- Broken or missing windows, window screens or foundation vent screens;
- Defective, missing or improperly installed smoke detectors;
- Lack of annual service or accessibility to required fire extinguisher;
- Lack of directory signage and/or /building address/unit number as required by Fire Dept.;
- Lack of required light, ventilation, required ceiling height in a habitable room;
- Defective or missing required light fixtures, electrical outlets, switches or exposed/unsafe electrical wiring;
- Deteriorated, leaking, missing or improperly installed plumbing faucets or fixtures;
- Lack of required heat due to missing or defective heating unit;
- Any un-approved use, occupancy, addition, alteration, or improvements made without permits and/or approval from the Planning and/or Building Division;
- Verification that the name, address and telephone number of the resident caretaker is posted in a conspicuous public place on the property as per City and State code.