Residential Rental Inspection Program

This program helps create a healthy, safe, and crime-free environment to preserve the quality of life in residential rental units within the City. All residential units within the City are inspected at least once every five years by City of Stockton Neighborhood Services Section. Mandatory inspections of all residential rental units must comply with Stockton Municipal Code 8.32 - Residential Rental Unit Inspection and Maintenance.

This Ordinance provides proactive identification of blight and deteriorated housing and ensures rehabilitation or elimination of housing below minimum building or housing code standards, exterior site maintenance standards.

Inspections are conducted in all areas associated with the rental property including but not limited to:

  • Parking lots

  • Driveways

  • Landscaping

  • Accessory structures

  • Fences

  • Walls

  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas

Additionally, in accordance with Stockton Municipal Code 5.08.030(22), a business license is required if having 3 or more rental units and/or properties.

Exemptions

  • Hotels, motels, bed and breakfast businesses, and similar properties.

  • Newly constructed multi-family residential units of four or more units for a period of five years from the date the building permit is finalized by the City's Building Division.

  • Subsidized residential rental units when inspected and pass an annual inspection by a governmental agency. If your home is not a rental or you qualify for one of the exemptions, please submit a Homeowners Declaration Form to Neighborhood Services.

The map shows inspection areas by program years. Larger print version: Residential Rental Inspection Map

CMProvider_RentQuads2012_1_1_12

  • Pink - Quadrant 1 - To be inspected in 2022

  • Blue - Quadrant 2 - To be inspected in 2023

  • Yellow - Quadrant 3- To be inspected in 2024

  • Green - Quadrant 4 - To be inspected in 2025/2026

 

Self-Certification

The Rental Inspection Ordinance allows for a self-certification of qualified properties. The property owner or designated management inspects the property and certifies under penalty of perjury that the property meets the minimum code requirements listed on the Residential Rental Inspection Program Self-Certification Affidavit (PDF).

The self-certification option helps reduce fees and on-site inspections by City inspectors. Property owners who do not wish to participate in the Self-Certification Program will receive a Notice of Intent to Inspect at least 21 days prior to the inspection date.

Code Violations

When code violations are identified at the initial inspection, property owners are given adequate time to correct the deficiencies depending on the nature and number of violations. Normal compliance time ranges from 10 to 30 days.

However, where a dangerous condition exists (e.g., hazardous electrical wiring or lack of adequate sanitation), corrections may have to be completed within 24 to 48 hours. In rare cases, compliance procedures may result in the premises being vacated, utility services disconnected, and tenants relocated at the owner's expense until all violations have been abated.

If you have received a rental mailing or notification of a rental inspection and your home is not a rental, please submit the Homeowner's Declaration Form.

For more information, please Contact Us or by email