All Forum Posts by: Sherry T.

California's SB 721, known as the Balcony Inspection Law, requires multifamily property owners to inspect exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like balconies and decks. This safety measure aims to prevent structural failures and ensure tenant safety.

Originally, the first inspections were due by January 1, 2025, but a recent update—AB 2579—has extended the deadline to January 1, 2026. This extra year gives property owners more time to schedule inspections and make necessary repairs.

Key Points:

• Applies to multifamily properties with three or more units.
• Covers balconies, decks, and elevated elements made of wood or similar materials.
• Inspections must be completed by licensed professionals and repeated every six years.
• Hazards identified must be repaired promptly.

With the extension, now’s the time to plan ahead. Schedule inspections early to avoid a last-minute rush and ensure compliance with California law. Staying proactive not only protects your tenants but also safeguards your investment.

New realtor and investor in Sacramento, CA. Hope to connect and learn.

So does noone have experience with this?  Even with a property manager I would like to see the condition of my property periodically in a nice property inspection report.  Here is an example of someone who does this in the Tampa FL area as an example.  https://www.onsightpros.com/se...

I'm finishing up an ADU garage conversion in Downtown Sac and plan to do medium term rental for travel nurses. The logistics are simpler since as you get 4-5 turns/year and it isn't affected by the city ordinance on STRs. Also, long term, I expect Sac will enact tougher restrictions on STR, given the intense housing crunch we're experience, so I personally don't expect that to a be a good long term strategy. However the medium term rental seems like a good option. Our 275 sq ft furnished garage should rent for $1600 - $1800/mo and the only extra fees compared to long term is $99/yr to post on furnishedfinders.com.

...I should have this finished by the end of next month, so can keep you updated on whether this plan works and what we rent for. 

@Sherry Tsai

If you choose to self manage, it would be the one closest to where you live. You will have to go there once to twice a week to make sure that trash doesn’t get out of control. I live in Pasadena and have multifamily in Longbeach, and I hate the traffic to get there. Long Beach is so fringe oriented and prices are so high that it is pricing out the low income people out. So, my opinion is if you purchase in Longbeach, in a fringe area,the area will get better.

I was taught to buy "in your own back yard first" and I'm in Los Angeles. I bought two SFR is Desert Hot Springs (years ago). They were just barely decent investments. Held for 8 years and make a small amount. So I'm not sure it's the best advice anymore for us SoCal investors. I quickly found Chattanooga Tn in 2009 (very early) and made a killing. I'm now investing in WI. So, my advice for you is to go OOS as I've done far better than I would have here.

My rental properties are all in Riverside county. Great appreciation and cashflow if you know where and how to buy.