SB 721 Explained: What California Multi-Unit Property Owners Need to Know Before Selling in 2025

fjromine
4 days ago
3 min read

If you own a multi-unit property in California, SB 721 is one of the most important laws you need to understand before listing your building for sale. Many owners are surprised by the requirements, and some don’t learn about them until they’re already in escrow — which can cause delays, renegotiations, or even failed transactions.

This guide breaks down what SB 721 is, who it affects, how the inspection process works, and how Romine Group helps sellers navigate the law smoothly.

What Is SB 721? (California’s Balcony, Deck & Stair Inspection Law)

SB 721 is a California safety law that requires mandatory inspections of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in multi-unit residential buildings. These include:

Balconies
Decks
Exterior stairs
Walkways
Landings
Any elevated structure more than 6 feet off the ground
Any structure supported by wood or wood-based materials

If your building has 3 or more residential units, and includes any of these elements, the law applies.

Who Must Comply With SB 721?

SB 721 applies to:

Triplexes
Fourplexes
Small apartment buildings
Large apartment complexes
Mixed-use buildings with 3+ residential units

HOA-governed condo communities fall under SB 326, not SB 721 — but the inspection requirements are similar.

SB 721 Inspection Deadline

The first round of inspections must be completed by:

📅 January 1, 2025

After that, inspections are required every six years.

If you plan to sell in 2024–2026, buyers and inspectors will ask for proof of compliance.

What the Inspection Covers

A qualified professional must inspect the structural integrity of all elevated exterior elements, including:

Wood framing
Waterproofing systems
Railings
Attachment points
Visible damage, dry rot, water intrusion, or structural failure
Safety issues that could pose a collapse risk

Who Can Perform the Inspection?

SB 721 requires inspections to be performed by one of the following:

Licensed architect
Licensed civil or structural engineer
Licensed contractor with specific classifications + years of experience
Certified building inspector or building official

Romine Group does not perform inspections — but we help property owners find the right qualified professional quickly.

What Happens If Issues Are Found?

SB 721 includes strict repair timelines:

Immediate hazards must be repaired or blocked off RIGHT AWAY
Other issues must follow a 120-day repair-permit window, then 120 days to complete repairs
Cities can issue fines or place liens for non-compliance

This is why selling a multi-unit building without addressing SB 721 can become a major problem during escrow.

How SB 721 Affects Property Sales

During a sale, buyers and lenders will request:

SB 721 inspection report
Proof of completed repairs (if needed)
Documentation from a licensed professional

If the seller hasn’t completed the inspection, several things can happen:

Buyer delays closing
Buyer demands repairs or price reductions
Buyer cancels due to undisclosed safety issues
Lenders hesitate to fund the deal
The property is flagged as non-compliant

This is why preparing BEFORE listing is crucial.

How Romine Group Helps Sellers Navigate SB 721

We don’t inspect balconies or stairs — but we guide sellers through the entire process to keep their sale smooth and compliant.

Romine Group helps you:

✔ Understand what parts of your property fall under SB 721

We review your building layout and identify which elevated elements require inspection.

✔ Connect with qualified inspectors

We refer trusted, licensed professionals who meet SB 721 criteria.

✔ Prepare disclosures before listing

Clear documentation protects you, builds buyer trust, and prevents renegotiations.

✔ Avoid delays, surprises, and failed escrows

Most issues in multi-unit sales come from incomplete compliance. We help eliminate that risk.

✔ Position your property for a stronger sale

Compliant buildings sell faster and with fewer buyer objections.

Why Central Valley Sellers Trust Romine Group

We specialize in guiding sellers in:

Fresno County
Tulare County
Kings County
Madera County
Kern County
San Luis Obispo County

With 15+ years of experience, we understand the regulations, disclosures, and inspection challenges that impact multi-unit property sales in California.

Our priority is helping sellers avoid stress, reduce liability, and complete a smooth sale — even under California’s evolving property laws.