Housing Code Enforcement

The mission of the Housing Code Enforcement is to preserve and improve the quality and maintain the quantity of Berkeley's rental housing stock by:

• Gaining compliance with applicable housing  codes;
• Optimizing positive relationships with owners, residents and neighbors; and
• Enforcing housing codes, and coordinating with other City programs and efforts to provide safe and decent rental housing in Berkeley.

The Housing Code Enforcement has two basic components:

1. The Rental Housing Safety Program  (RHSP). A program in which owners certify to the City that their rental units meet certain basic safety standards; the City inspects certain units to ensure that they are in compliance with housing code; and tenants are encouraged to be vigilant and required not to alter their units in ways that create safety hazards. 
2. The Complaint-Generated Housing Inspection Program. This program involves the inspection of apartment buildings and units on a demand-driven basis. Program staff responds to housing code complaints (filed with Housing Code Enforcement on a Request for Service) initiated by Berkeley tenants or by other City programs. Program staff normally responds by notifying the complainant and property owner of an impending inspection. Inspections usually take place in approximately 10 working days after communication with property owner and tenant. Shorter response times are arranged if the complaint is serious. Property owners are required to correct identified violations within reasonable timeframes.

The basic mission of Housing Code Enforcement is to enforce the Berkeley Housing Code. The exceptions are substandard conditions which pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of the tenant. Substandard conditions are referred to the City's Building Official for immediate follow up. Fees are charged as long as substandard conditions exist.

Housing Code Enforcement is part of the Health, Housing & Community Services Department and is located at Civic Center, 2180 Milvia Street, 2nd floor. The public can reach the office by phone at 981-5444. To talk directly with one of our Inspectors, we request that the public call between the hours of 8-9 a.m. and 4:30-5 p.m.