It’s That Time Again: RHSP Inspections Due by July 1st

If you own or manage rental property in Berkeley, it’s your legal responsibility to complete annual safety inspections under the Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP). The deadline is July 1st, and inspections must be conducted using the City of Berkeley’s official RHSP Checklist.

What’s required?

Unless your property was newly constructed within the last five years, you must:

• Use the City of Berkeley’s RHSP Checklist (formerly known as Schedule A)

• Conduct a full inspection of every space used as a residential rental, even if it's just a bedroom in a shared home

• Provide a completed copy of the checklist to the tenant

• Keep a copy for your records

This requirement applies whether you’re renting out an entire unit or a room in an otherwise owner-occupied property. If someone is paying rent to live in the space, it must be inspected.

Why this matters

The inspection isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s an opportunity to spot safety issues and prevent liability. In my own RHSP inspections, I’ve uncovered potential hazards that could have ended badly:

• A tenant had power strips daisy-chained under rugs throughout the unit

• Another stored paper materials in the oven because she “only ever used the stovetop”

Because I was able to enter and observe the unit, I could speak with the tenants and resolve both situations before they became emergencies.

Inspections are an opportunity, not just a requirement

The RHSP Checklist is a tool you can use to protect your investment, identify risks early, and build documentation that shows you're maintaining a habitable unit.

This annual inspection also gives you a lawful reason to enter the unit and observe conditions you wouldn’t otherwise see. For example:

• If you smell mold, it’s reasonable to inspect closets or hidden areas.

• If the unit is clearly being neglected or damaged, take photos for your records.

• If you discover signs of a long-term leak that was never reported, take note of how responsive (or unresponsive) the tenant has been.

Of course, stick to the checklist and respect tenant privacy, don’t open drawers or go through mail, but don’t overlook the bigger value of this moment. RHSP inspections are a proactive way to stay informed about how your tenant is using and caring for the unit.

How to stay compliant

• Serve proper notice of entry:
  You must give your tenant at least 24 hours’ advance written notice before entering for an RHSP inspection.

  • Deliver in person, post at the unit, or email (if your lease allows it)

  • Include the date, time frame, and reason for entry

  • If mailing, add five calendar days for delivery

📝 BPOA members can download a customizable Notice of Intent to Enter from the Rental Housing Forms Library. It includes a checkbox for RHSP inspections and cites Civil Code § 1954.

• Complete the checklist thoroughly:
  If the unit passes inspection, provide a copy to the tenant and retain one for your records.

• If the unit does not pass:
  Notify the tenant, schedule repairs, and reinspect as soon as possible.

• Once all issues are resolved:
  Provide the tenant with an updated checklist marked “passed” for all items.

Unless a tenant refuses entry or the City of Berkeley requests a copy, you are not required to submit the checklist to the city.

Where to find the form

The RHSP Checklist is available in the Rental Housing Forms Library, under the “Forms to Use During a Tenancy” section.

💡 Need help?
If you have questions about RHSP inspections, email tiffany@bpoa.org—I’m happy to help.