For proper maintenance of the common areas, associations must conduct regular inspections. There are three kinds of inspections:
1. General Maintenance Inspections. These usually conducted by a building engineer or vendor to check the condition of the common areas. It includes things like: lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, pools, pumps, hallways and stairwells, etc.
2. Reserve Study Inspections. As part of its reserve study requirements, the Davis-Stirling Act requires all associations to conduct a diligent visual inspection of its major common area components every three years. (Civ. Code § 5550(a).)
3. Elevated Structure Inspections. Beginning January 1, 2020, condominium associations with buildings with three or more units must inspect elevated load-bearing structures which are supported substantially by wood. (Civ. Code § 5551(l).)
4. Building Envelope Inspections. This inspection focuses on water intrusion issues involving roofs, windows, and exterior walls.
5. Security Inspections. Fences, gates, security cameras, and lighting should be inspected.
6. Rules Violations. Although this is not a maintenance issue, rules violation inspections should be done on a regular basis. The longer violations go unchecked, the more difficult they become.
ASSISTANCE: Associations needing legal assistance can contact us. To stay current with issues affecting community associations, subscribe to the Davis-Stirling Newsletter.