Here is a list of cities in California which have adopted ordinances that require a “pre-sale” property report.
Ordinances change periodically and we will strive to keep this page as current as possible, but please always check with the cities for the latest guidance. If you have comments or anything to add, please let us know!
| City | County | Name of Report | Phone # | Cost | Notes/Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azusa | Los Angeles | Real Property Records Report | (626) 812-5265 | communityimprovement@azusaca.gov | - Condominium/Townhome $118 - Vacant/Unimproved Land $237 - Single Family Dwelling $237 - Multi-family Dwelling - per parcel $237 - additional cost per unit $13 - Commercial Property $237 |
All properties, including vacant land, but not on first sale. Buyer to acknowledge report, 6-month time limit. Prices subject to change every summer. |
| Bell | Los Angeles | Presale Inspection Report | (323) 588-6211 x2611 | - Residential: $200 + $75/unit - Commercial: $500-$600 + $100/thousand sq ft |
Inspection required. Seller signs form, must get signature notarized if not submitting application in person. | |
| Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | Smoke Detector & Water Conservation Plumbing Fixtures Affidavit | (310) 285-1141 | Buyer & Seller sign form. No inspection. Only deals with smoke detector and water conservation. | ||
| Burbank | Los Angeles | Retrofit Upon Sale Certificate of Compliance | (818) 238-3730 | BWPConservation@burbankca.gov | There are no fees associated with filing this Certificate. | Compliance is the responsibility of the seller/transferor. Compliance with this Ordinance is a condition of escrow; sale of the property is contingent upon completing and filing this Certificate of Compliance. |
| Carson | Los Angeles | NO LONGER REQUIRED | (310) 952-1766 | planning@carson.ca.us | N/A | As of September 20, 2019, The City of Carson will no longer require an approved RPR for the sale of residential properties. |
| Chico | Butte | Energy Retrofit Inspection | (530) 879-6700 | Cost varies per each private inspector. Only mandatory on buildlings prior to 1991. Buyer doesn’t need to acknowledge. Inspectors are certified by the city. Commercial buildings don’t require it. | ||
| Compton | Los Angeles | Application For Report of Building Records | (310) 605-5500 | $129 for first Single Family Dwelling, $105 for additional | Inspection required. Residential Only. Buyer acknowledgement of Residential Building Report needed. | |
| Corte Madera | Marin | Application for Report of Residential Building Record | (415) 927-5062 | $130 | Inspector doesn’t go out to the property. Cannot waive. Buyer doesn’t need to acknowledge. Commercial buildings don’t require it. It is good for 6 months. | |
| Cudahy | Los Angeles | Pre-Sale Inspection | (323) 773-5143 x222 | $255 up to 5 units | Inspection required. Pick up form at Building and Safety, pay and obtain appointment. Residential, commercial and vacant land. | |
| Culver City | Los Angeles | Report of Building Records | (310) 253-5800 | building.safety@culvercity.org | $96-$128 | No inspection. Need on residential & commercial properties, no vacant land. Call for application. Takes 10 business days. Buyer needs to acknowledge. |
| Daly City | San Mateo | Residential Requirements Report Request | (650) 991-8061 | buildingdivision@dalycity.org | $45 | Fax report. The report is computer generated. Buyer has to acknowledge the report and inspection and cannot be waived. The report is good for 6 months. |
| Del Rey Oaks | Monterey | Residential Property Report | (831) 394-8511 | $100 | See website for Information. Physical inspection required. Property owner must acknowledge report. Report cannot be waived. Commercial buildings have a separate report. | |
| Eastvale | Riverside | Business Registration Certification | (951) 361-900 | $46.00 annual fee | For businesses and rental properties. No physical inspection is required at this time. Annual term from April 1 – March 31. More details here | |
| El Monte | Los Angeles | Property Inspection Report | (626) 580-2001 | $195.50-$252.50+ | Inspection required. Residential and commercial properties. Call for application form. Buyer acknowledgement needed.Form Link | |
| El Segundo | Los Angeles | NONE now, pursuant to Building Dept. | (310) 524-2380 | NONE | ||
| Gardena | Los Angeles | Property Information Report | (310) 217-9530 | $435 for exterior only inspection. $552 for exterior and interior inspection. (July 2021) | Report to be delivered 15 days prior to closing. Residential and commercial. Condos are exempt. Buyer can sign a Waiver. Buyer must acknowledge either the report or the Waiver. | |
| Hawaiian Gardens | Los Angeles | Pre Sale Inspection | (562) 420-2641 x208 | $265 | Inspection required. Residential and commercial properties. New construction exempt. Deliver 21 days before closing, Buyer to acknowledge. | |
| Hermosa Beach | Los Angeles | Report for Residential Building Records | (310) 318-235 | $286.76 | Residential only. Takes 2 weeks to process. Exterior inspection only. Good for 6 months | |
| Huntington Park | Los Angeles | Residential Pre-Sale Inspection Program | (323) 584-6271 | $105 for exterior inspection, $60 for interior inspection | Inspection required. Single family 1-4 units and vacant land required. No commercial or over 4 units. Good for 6 months. | |
| Inglewood | Los Angeles | Report of Building Records and Code Violations | (310) 412-5294 | $163 (up to 4 units) + $11/unit (after 4 units) | Additional fees apply for inspection. Full breakdown on their Building Fees page. Buyer needs to acknowledge. Good for 6 months. | |
| Laguna Beach | Orange | Real Property Report | (949) 497-329 | Residential Property: $400, Commercial Property $545, Extension: $120 | No inspection. All properties, including commercial and vacant land. Go down to Building Dept and pick up application and pay. Realtor needs to have his City Business License to show. Takes 7 days. | |
| Lawndale | Los Angeles | Residential Property Report | (310) 973-3230 | $240.00 | Please see Lawndale City's Page for more information. | |
| Livermore | Alameda | Report of Residential Building Record | (925) 960-4410 | $60 | No physical inspection. Buyer must acknowledge it. Cannot waive. Good for 6 months. Commercial buildings don’t require it. | |
| Lomita | Los Angeles | Residential Property Report Application | (310) 325-7110 x103 | $162.18 | For residences with certain exceptions. Does not apply to commercial property. On-site inspection is an additional $162.18. For more information, check out the City of Lomita Community Development page. | |
| Long Beach | Los Angeles | Garage Inspection Program | (562) 570-2633 | $105.00 for 1-2 units | Inspection concerns only non-street parking at a residence/building. Certain conditions allow for the use of a Garage Exemption Certificate. | |
| Los Angeles City | Los Angeles | Residential Property Report (RPR) | (213) 473-3231 | $70.85 per parcel | No inspection. Need on residential and vacant land. No commercial properties or first sale of new residential building. Need application form with original signatures by Seller (and Buyer if Buyer is doing work). Good for 6 months. Completed reports can be searched for and printed out at this link. | |
| Los Angeles City – Dept of Water and Power | Los Angeles | Certificate of Compliance | #N/A | $15 -$75 and up | Licensed plumber to certify low flow toilets and showerheads and sign Certificate of Compliance. Seller and Buyer also to sign. Form link | |
| Lynwood | Los Angeles | Real Property Report Application | (310) 603-0220 x289 | $230.44 | Inspection of exterior only. Residential only. Call for application form. Real Estate Agent needs to have business license for Lynwood to apply. | |
| Malibu | Los Angeles | Wastewater Treatment System Transfer of Permit | (310) 456-2489 | Please call | City Website: Malibu City | |
| Manhattan Beach | Los Angeles | Report of Residential Building Records | (310) 802-5544 | $121.50 | No inspection. Residential only. Water Conservation Retrofit required. | |
| Marina | Monterey | Residential Property Report | (831) 884-1214 | $50 | See website for Information. Physical inspection required. Buyer acknowledges report. Report cannot be waived. Good for 3 months. Commercial buildings do not need. | |
| Maywood | Los Angeles | Pre-Sale Home Inspection | (323) 562-5723 | Email Building and Planning | $110 | Inspection required. Application is multiple carbon copy. Call them to mail. Buyer needs to acknowledge report and this report cannot be waived. No expiration date, good until sale of property again.Whoever is applying for report needs to have a Business License with City. |
| Monterey | Monterey | Residential Property Report | (831) 646-3890 | gogreen@monterey.org | Report Faxed. Exterior inspection only. Buyer acknowledges report. Report cannot be waived. Good for 6 months. No requirement for condominiums, but apartments do require. | |
| Monterey Park | Los Angeles | NONE ANYMORE | (626) 307-1465 | |||
| Newport Beach | Orange | Report of Residential Building Records | (949) 644-3200 | Application Fee: $198.00, Reinspection Fee: $131.00 | Residential only. Inspection not required, but if declined, will be noted on report for Buyer to acknowledge. Takes 30 days to complete after application submitted. Corrections to be done within 30 days or Buyer can assume responsibility. Good for one year. | |
| Oakland | Alameda | Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance | (540) 238-3199 | $84.92 as of March 24, 2021 | Applies to selling, buying, or renovating of properties above $100,000. Full details in their FAQ here. | |
| Orange | Orange | NONE ANYMORE | #N/A | |||
| Oxnard | Ventura | Report of Building Records | (805) 385-7407 | $37.80 | Inspection not required. Residential and commercial. Buyer to acknowlege. Takes 7 days to process. Good for 6 months. Call Patricia or Ruby for fax or e-mail of application. | |
| Palos Verdes Estates | Los Angeles | Real Property Records Report | (310) 378-383 | $156 | Inspection not needed. Takes 5 working days. Good for 6 months. Homeowner applies. If third party applies, needs a City Business License in order to apply. | |
| Pasadena | Los Angeles | Presale Self-Certification Program | (626) 744-7144 | PresaleProgram@cityofpasadena.net | Presale Certificate of Inspection (in-person): $150.00 + processing fees, Presale Certificate of Compliance (in-person): $27.00 + processing fees | Inspection required and cannot be waived. Single family, duplex, condos, townhouses. Please see webpage for more information. |
| Piedmont | Alameda | Housing Records Search | (510) 420-3040 | $50 | No physical inspection. Report cannot be waived. Buyer doesn’t need to acknowledge it. Commercial buildings require the same report. | |
| Port Hueneme | Ventura | REPORT OF RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL BUILDING RECORDS | (805) 986-6512 | cityhall@cityofporthueneme.org | RECORDS ONLY $ 48.00, RECORDS AND PROPERTY INSPECTION $119.00 | Has option of report only or report and inspection. Required for residential and commercial. Buyer can waive with signature on waiver and sent to Building and Safety. Can obtain a supplement to original report that was obtained 6 months prior. No application online. Call for application. |
| Rancho Palos Verdes | Los Angeles | Smoke Detector & Water Conserving Fixtures Affidavit | (310) 544-5280 | Only deals with smoke detector and water conservation. | ||
| Redondo Beach | Los Angeles | Report of Residential Building | (310) 318-636 | $130 / ACCELERATED REPORT: $323 (READY WITHIN 24 HOURS) | Updated information about ordering the Residential Report at this link. Please review to prevent delays in processing. | |
| Rialto | San Bernardino | Rialto Water Services - New Service Application | (909) 820-2505 | Please call | Go to Rialto's city Website and search Water Sewer Payment Guidelines | |
| Rolling Hills Estates | Los Angeles | Pre-Sale Inspection Report | (310) 377-1577 x105 | $200-$300 | Residential only. Buyer can choose a record search only or with an on-site inspection. Buyer to complete application. Takes 7 business days. Must have to close. | |
| Ross | Marin | Residential Report | (415) 453-1453 x106 | $325 + $100 each add. unit | Physical inspection required. Business license is required for businesses, which costs $100. Buyer must acknowledge report. Cannot be waived. Also required for commercial buildings. Good for 12 months. Go to Building Dept to get application | |
| Salinas | Monterey | Residential Record Building Report | (831) 758-7381 | $71.14 per report | Report Faxed. No physical inspection required. Buyer acknowledges report. Report cannot be waived. Good for 90 days. | |
| San Diego | San Diego | Water Conservation Certificate | (858) 492-6005 | $10 | Seller must ensure water-conserving plumbing fixtures are in place. Seller may transfer responsibility to the buyer via a Transfer of Responsibility to Retrofit Certificate. More information on their resource page. | |
| San Fernando | Los Angeles | RESIDENTIAL INSPECTION UPON RESALE APPLICATION | (818) 898-1227 | $240.00 | Inspection required. Call or visit their office for an application. More information can be found on their Building and Safety page. | |
| San Francisco | San Francisco | Stationary Tank Permits | (628) 652-3420 | $330 + $344/year | Residential only. Check if property contains stationary tank, if there is a cap on sidewalk or a generator for above ground or portables. Buyer must apply. There is a one time cost of $330 and a yearly tax license of $344, paid through Tax Collector. Fire Dept will inspect tanks yearly. | |
| San Francisco | San Francisco | Residential Energy & Water Conservation | (628) 652-3420 | Residential only. Energy Conservation required only once in lifetime of home and will be noted on the 3R report. The water conservation is required each time of transfer. Go to website to find City approved inspectors. Inspector normally charges flat fee for all inspections and filing fees. | ||
| San Francisco | San Francisco | Report of Residential Building Record (3R) | (628) 652-3420 | $148 | Residential only. City does not inspect, but needs to get a licensed contractor to do so. Valid for one year. Buyer does not need to sign off. Each building needs its own application. | |
| San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | Water Conservation Certificate - Toilet Retrofit Verification | (805) 781-7215 | Unknown, please call | Required prior to sale. Inspection by licensed contractor or Water Resources staff member. | |
| San Marino | Los Angeles | Residential Compliance Certificate | (626) 300-700 | $70.00 | Residential only. Inspection fee separate. Apply in person, they will provide list of individuals or firms allowed to do inspection. Report cannot be waived. Buyer not required to acknowledge report. All violations must be corrected within 6 months. Takes 10 business days. Good 2 years or when sold. | |
| San Pablo | Contra Costa | Residential Health and Safety Inspection | (510) 215-3030 | $125 (condo), $175 (SFR), $25+ per/unit | Physical Inspection required. Report cannot be waived. Good for 6 months. Commercial buildings not required. Buyer does not need to acknowledge. | |
| Santa Monica | Los Angeles | Report of Residential Building Records | (310) 458-8355 | $330.44 | Inspections not required. Computer generated report. Can fill it out online. Cannot be waived. Buyer must acknowledge. Good for 6 months. Look for application form under “Forms – Public Records – Public Records Request”. | |
| Sausalito | Marin | Residential Building Record Report | (415) 289-4132 | $150 | No physical inspection. Report cannot be waived. Buyer doesn’t need to acknowledge. Needs a sewer video it doesn’t have one within last 3 years. Go to Building Dept to get application. | |
| Seaside | Monterey | Real Property Disclosure Report | (831) 899-6825 | building@ci.seaside.ca.us | $129 | Report emailed. Exterior inspection only. Must have every time the property transfers. Cannot be waived. |
| Signal Hill | Los Angeles | Residential Inspection Report Request | (562) 989-7348 | $170-565 | Only for 4 units and up residential properties. Valid for 6 months. Buyer does not need to acknowledge. | |
| South Gate | Los Angeles | Pre-Sale Inspection | (323) 563-9549 | $63 | Inspection required. Residential only or residential in mixed use units. Code violations to be corrected within a year by Seller or Buyer. Buyer to acknowledge. Report is good for one year. | |
| Thousand Oaks | Ventura | Report of Residential Building Records | (805) 449-2313 | $82- $308 | Inspections required only if there are open permits, cost is then $308. No inspection cost is $82. Good for 6 months. Takes up to 10 working days to get. | |
| Torrance | Los Angeles | Smoke Detector Cert of Compliance | (310) 618-2550 | No property inspection or report required. However, does need a Smoke Detector Compliance done by Contractor. | ||
| Ventura | Ventura | Report of Building Records | (805) 654-7869 | $79.00 | No property inspection. Only review permits on file. Buyer to acknowledge. |