Do you know the true condition of your balconies, decks, stairs, and other Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs)? The need for businesses and property owners to comply with new laws in California is driving necessary inspections to prevent disaster. In fact, preventative maintenance and inspection is key to preventing balcony collapses and other structural failures.
At VERTEX, our investigations have shown that more than 30% of EEEs inspected contain concealed damage, and 4% present urgent life-safety risks. While many exterior elements may appear structurally sound, many hide underlying issues such as dry rot and water intrusion that can lead to catastrophic failures and large liabilities to your property.
This reality led California to enact the SB721 and SB326 Balcony Inspection Laws, requiring regular inspections of these vulnerable structures. VERTEX was among the first firms to respond to the tragic incident that inspired this legislation, investigating the cause and uncovering extensive hidden decay despite no visible exterior signs. The next inspection deadline of January 1, 2026 requires businesses and multifamily rental building owners to have their EEEs inspected and evaluated for structural integrity by a licensed and trusted architectural firm or engineer.
Today, VERTEX continues to lead in Balcony Assurance and EEE inspection services nationwide, helping property owners, HOAs, and managers safeguard residents and maintain compliance with evolving regulations. Adding Balcony Assurance to your property management portfolio of services is a key risk mitigation step.
What Are Elevated Exterior Elements (EEEs)?
Elevated Exterior Elements are structural features commonly found on multifamily, senior living, dormitory, and condominium properties, including:
- Balconies and decks
- Stairs and elevated walkways
- Exterior corridors and landings
Routine inspections of these elements provide more than compliance—they are a key step in protecting people, property value, and fiduciary responsibility. Liability and danger to residents can be mitigated by finding and repairing potential problems before they worsen.
Regular inspections support:
- Stronger fiduciary oversight and risk management
- Reduction of liability through proactive maintenance
- Prevention of costly surprises by identifying concealed defects early
- Standardized capital planning for long-term budgeting
- Enhanced property value through preventative care
VERTEX’s Balcony Assurance Services
VERTEX offers comprehensive inspection and risk mitigation services for properties nationwide, with specialized expertise in California’s SB721 and SB326 requirements. Our services include:
- Thorough inspections using advanced diagnostic tools
- Identification of concealed defects and structural weaknesses
- Repair design and planning for identified issues
- Construction oversight and quality assurance
- Compliance documentation for owners, HOAs, and property managers
Our team of licensed engineers, architects, and construction professionals brings decades of experience in building envelope design, forensics, and restoration—ensuring that every inspection is backed by technical precision and practical insight.
These services can also be integrated into a Property Condition Assessment (PCA) during real estate due diligence or capital planning evaluations.
Balcony Inspection Laws in California: What You Need to Know
California’s Balcony Assurance legislation sets specific deadlines for property owners to complete inspections:
| Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) | Compliance Deadline |
| 2019 or earlier – Apartments (SB721) | January 1, 2026 |
| 2019 or earlier – Condos (SB326) | January 1, 2025 |
| 2020 | January 1, 2027 |
Understanding these timelines is crucial to avoid violations, delays, or emergency repair situations.
SB721: Apartment Balcony and Deck Inspections
Under SB721, apartment building owners must inspect balconies, decks, and other EEEs attached to wood-framed buildings more than six feet above ground level.
VERTEX’s team provides:
- Comprehensive SB721-compliant EEE inspections
- Detailed reports outlining findings and recommendations
- Structural repair design and oversight
- Quality assurance and construction observation services
Our Balcony Assurance professionals use advanced testing methods to identify structural risks early—before they become safety hazards. Proactive risk identification is a necessary and wise investment in your property that will reduce the likelihood of catastrophic failure that presents risk to life and capital investment.
SB326: Condo and HOA Balcony Inspections
SB326 applies to condominium associations and HOAs, requiring visual inspections of EEEs every nine years.
VERTEX’s approach ensures compliance through:
- Qualified inspections by licensed engineers and architects
- Detailed condition assessments and photo documentation
- Repair recommendations and oversight when needed
- Long-term tracking and documentation for future compliance cycles
We partner directly with HOA boards and property managers to help them meet these obligations efficiently while minimizing disruption to residents.
Beyond California: National Risk Management for EEEs
Although balcony inspection laws began in California, the risk of hidden structural deterioration exists everywhere. Many VERTEX clients across the U.S. are now proactively expanding their Balcony Assurance programs beyond state requirements to protect both occupants and assets.
Our nationwide EEE inspection services help property owners and managers:
- Identify risks before they become emergencies
- Improve safety and compliance readiness
- Streamline maintenance and capital expenditure planning
Partner with VERTEX for Balcony Assurance
VERTEX is an industry leader in building forensics, engineering, and construction oversight. Our Balcony Assurance program helps you stay compliant, reduce liability, and protect your investment.
Connect with a Balcony Assurance Expert
Ready to assess your property or portfolio? Contact our experts to schedule an inspection or consultation.
The Author
Gurtej Singh
LEED AP, PMP
Director, Project Advisory
Gurtej Singh is a Director in VERTEX's Real Estate Construction Division and is experienced in various sectors of the industry, including Construction Management, Architecture and Real Estate Research.
The Author
Douglas Russell
Managing Director, Project Advisory
Mr. Russell is the Managing Director for VERTEX in the Project Advisory Group. He has a Massachusetts Construction Supervisors License (unlimited). Mr. Russell is experienced in Design, Design Management, Construction Management, Owner's Project Management, Construction Defect Claim, Investigation, and Property, and Casualty Claim Investigation.