RENT Magazine Q2'25

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING THESE LAWS?

Failure to comply with SB721 and SB326 doesn’t just result in fines—it can lead to lawsuits, insurance issues, and criminal liability.

CONSEQUENCE

IMPACT

$500 per day fines Inability to sell the property Legal liability

Accumulating penalties for non-compliance

Properties with uninspected balconies may not meet legal requirements for sale, delaying or preventing transactions Landlords can be sued for negligence if a balcony collapse injures or kills tenants

Increased insurance costs

Non-compliant properties may face higher premiums or policy cancellations

Condemnation orders

Unsafe balconies can result in red-tagging , forcing tenants to vacate the property

Costly emergency repairs

Repairs after a collapse often cost 10x more than proactive maintenance

CASE STUDY: THE BERKELEY BALCONY COLLAPSE (2015)

One of the most tragic balcony failures in history occurred in Berkeley, CA, when a water-damaged balcony collapsed, killing six people and injuring seven others. Investigators found that wood rot and shoddy construction were the primary causes. This disaster was the catalyst for SB721 and SB326, reinforcing the importance of inspections and accountability. HOW DRBALCONY HELPS LANDLORDS STAY COMPLIANT AND PREVENT DISASTERS DrBalcony is California’s largest and most advanced balcony inspection company, ensuring that landlords and HOAs stay compliant while preventing dangerous collapses.

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