SB 721 for Apartment Complexes

Safety should always be the top priority, especially when it comes to apartments. With so many residents living in one space, it’s essential that any decks or raised surfaces are safe and in great condition. This new law, SB 721, requires apartment complexes to receive a professional inspection on their balconies and decks.

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If the owner does choose to receive an inspection, it will include a detailed, visual assessment of all balconies in the apartment building, specifically looking at:

  • Waterproofing
  • Flashing systems
  • Drains
  • Doors
  • Siding
  • Railings
  • Stair
  • Handrails
  • Mounting Plates
  • Stucco
  • Beams
  • Structural Supports

If you choose not to receive an inspection, there are no immediate financial consequences. It may seem as though this law serves no purpose if there are no penalties for choosing to forgo an inspection. However, this simply means the owner is now responsible for inspecting and maintaining the safety of their decks, and are responsible for any future issues that may arise, including legal action taken against them for failure to keep their decks safe. This includes potential losses in the event of a claim against the building for a safety incident, as the building owner can no longer claim they weren’t aware of safety hazards. 

To avoid issues down the line, it’s important to abide by SB 721, and get a proper inspection by an architect, engineer, or waterproofing expert.