In this Deep Dive of California Law Updates Simplified, we cut through the noise for property owners, managers, and HOA boards. You’ll get a plain-English briefing on balcony/EEE inspection laws (SB 721 for apartments vs SB 326 for condos/HOAs), what inspections actually involve (yes, borescopes), and the real deadlines and penalties. Then we sprint through the biggest landlord updates shaping 2025, CA price-gouging caps, citywide rental registration, wildfire eviction protections, required security-deposit photos (AB 2801), positive rent-payment credit reporting (AB 22747), and the latest on ADU fast-track plans.

What you’ll learn

The “why” behind EEE inspections (Berkeley tragedy) and what counts as an EEE

SB 721 (apartments): Jan 1, 2026 deadline, 15% sampling, every 6 years, who can inspect

SB 326 (condos/HOAs): deadline already passed, near-100% sampling for 95% confidence, every 9 years, engineer/architect only

Compliance timeline after a report: permits in ~120 days, repairs in ~120 days (extensions possible)

Penalties ($100–$500/day), enforcement uptick (Silver Lake collapse), and documentation that protects you

L.A. County 10% rent-increase cap through Jan 2026 (price-gouging)

L.A. City rental registration for non-RSO units (certificates matter for evictions)

Wildfire eviction relief window (qualifications & proof)

AB 2801: photo documentation after move-out (Apr 1, 2025) and before move-in (Jul 1, 2025)

AB 22747: offer positive rent-payment reporting to tenants

ADUs: city/county pre-approved plans (AB 1332) and what’s next

Resources & next steps

Book an EEE inspection or request a portfolio briefing at DrBalcony

Join our free webinar (Sep 4, 11:00 AM PT)

Download the SB 721 Prep Checklist & SB 326 Record-Keeping Toolkit

Disclaimer: Educational only; not legal advice. Always confirm city/county specifics with counsel.