The Governor Just Moved the Chains, But Don’t Fumble Your Inspection Responsibilities

Football season is in full swing, and just like a clutch first down in the fourth quarter, property owners and managers got a lucky break. The governor just moved the chains for Senate Bill 721 (SB 721) compliance by extending the deadline by one-year to January 1, 2026. That’s right, you’ve got some extra time to get those mandatory balcony and exterior elevated elements (EEE) inspections scheduled and completed. But here’s the thing—just like in football, delaying your play can cost you “big time.”

SB 721 is the law that requires inspections of your property’s exterior elevated elements or “EEEs” (think balconies, decks, and stairways, etc.) to ensure they’re safe. The aim is simple: avoid dangerous structural failures and protect tenants and investments alike. And while you might be tempted to take a victory lap with that deadline extension, here’s why now is the perfect time to huddle up and get your inspections done.

New Rules, New Opportunities: SB 721 Amendments You Need to Know

The rules have changed since SB 721 was passed in 2018 and became the law in 2019, and they’re good news for you as a property owner or manager:

• Inspectors can now perform restorative repairs after completing inspections. Inspectors are no longer prohibited from offering restorative repairs after completing the inspection. While not every inspector will have the resources to perform these repairs, this amendment opens up the possibility of working with a single professional to both assess and address any issues—making the process more streamlined when feasible. (Effective January 1, 2022: California Code, HSC 17973)
  • The deadline for compliance has been extended to January 1, 2026. This gives property owners and managers more time to get inspections completed without the pressure of an immediate deadline. (Effective September 28, 2024 Per 2024’s Senate Bill 2579).

So, what does this mean for you? It might feel like you’ve just gained a few extra yards and can now take it easy, but let’s not forget—the clock is still running. Here’s a word of caution: Don’t wait until the two-minute warning…again!

Why Waiting Isn’t a Winning Strategy

Even though the deadline has been pushed, procrastination is not your friend. Like any smart coach, you should plan ahead. Here’s why:

1. Prices are only going up. Demand for these inspections is increasing, and with so few certified inspectors, prices are bound to rise. The longer you wait, the more you might end up paying.
2. Not enough players in the game. There currently aren’t enough service providers to inspect every building before the new deadline hits. Imagine trying to score a last-minute touchdown with half your team missing. You don’t want to be the one left scrambling to find an available inspector when everyone else has already locked theirs in.
3. Avoid the last-minute rush for repairs. If you wait too long to schedule your inspection, you risk running into a backlog of property owners all trying to meet the SB 721 deadline. The longer you delay, the busier restorative contractors will be, making it harder to secure one when you need repairs. Getting your inspection done now gives you a head start and ensures better availability for any necessary work.

Don’t Get Caught in the Blitz

While the deadline extension might feel like extra time on the clock, remember—the longer you wait, the tougher the game gets. Just like in football, waiting until the last minute to make your move is a risky play. Not all inspectors will offer repairs post-inspection, so it’s important to understand that this is a case-by-case offering. Your best bet is to schedule the inspection, have a clear understanding of your property’s needs, and then decide how to handle any required work based on available resources.

Here’s Your Playbook for SB 721 Compliance

Now that we’re in the fourth quarter of 2024, this is the perfect opportunity to get your inspection game plan in place while others are taking a water break. The extra time is a bonus, but the smartest property managers and owners are making their moves early. To get started, check out the National Roof Certification & Inspection Association (NRCIA’) member directory at NRCIA.org to find a certified SB 721 inspector in your area. Whether you’re responsible for a single building or an entire portfolio, early action will save you from the stress of last-minute compliance headaches.

Remember, in football—and in property management—it’s the teams that plan ahead who walk off the field victorious. Don’t wait until the two-minute warning. Schedule your SB 721 inspection today, Get SB 721 Compliant ^TM, and stay ahead of the game.

By Paul J. Watrous, President, National Roof Certification & Inspection Association

Paul Watrous is President of the National Roof Certification & Inspection Association (NRCIA), an association committed to setting the highest standards for property inspections across both roofing and decking industries. With a strong background in investigative work and years of experience leading top inspection professionals, he is dedicated to helping property managers and owners navigate compliance regulations, including SB 721. For more information, go to www.NRCIA.org.