Berkeley CHAPTER 18 RENTAL RESIDENTIAL HOUSING CODE § 10-18-6
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REGULATIONS
Operative Text
A. Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems: Each rental residential dwelling shall be equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems which meet the regulations contained in this code. B. Emergency Lighting: Each rental residential dwelling shall be equipped with an emergency lighting system which meets the regulations contained in this code. C. Exit Signs: Each multiple-unit dwelling shall be equipped with exit signs that meet the regulations contained in this code. D. Perimeter Curbs: 1. All existing off street parking facilities for multiple- unit buildings containing three (3) or more parking spaces shall be enclosed by a barrier along the perimeter of the parking facility at the end of each parking space where there is an adjacent residential property which is at a lower elevation. 2. The barriers shall be a six inch (6") wide by eighteen inch (18") high concrete barrier curb or an equivalent in design and function as approved by the village engineer. E. Illumination Standards: 1. All off street parking areas for multiple-unit buildings shall illuminate those parking facilities from sunset to sunrise. The level of illumination at any point in the parking facility shall not be less than one foot-candle measured at the pavement. 2. On the exterior of each multiple-unit building at each means of egress, there shall be a light illuminated from sundown to sunrise providing not less than one foot-candle of light measured at the door handle. F. Extermination Of Insect Infestations: If, upon inspection, there is an insect infestation in more than one dwelling unit of a multiple-unit building, the owner shall be required to contract with a licensed extermination company to exterminate the common area and all infested units not less than on a monthly basis for the remainder of the license year. G. Required Receptacles: 1. Every habitable space in a rental residential dwelling shall contain at least two (2) separate and remote receptacle outlets. 2. Every laundry area shall contain at least one grounded type receptacle or a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protected outlet when located within six feet (6') of a water source. 3. Every bathroom shall contain at least one receptacle equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, and all bathroom receptacles must be GFCI protected outlets when located within six feet (6') of a water source. 4. Kitchen countertop receptacles must be GFCI protected outlets, and all kitchen island and peninsula receptacles must be GFCI protected outlets when located within six feet (6') of a water source. 5. All receptacle outlets shall have the appropriate faceplate cover for the location. 6. Property owners will have one year from the effective date hereof to be in compliance. (2016 Code)
Berkeley CHAPTER 18 RENTAL RESIDENTIAL HOUSING CODE § 10-18-6 establishes a broad set of physical safety and maintenance standards that rental residential dwellings must meet. These requirements cover smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, exit signs, parking lot curbs and illumination, pest control procedures for multi-unit buildings, and electrical outlet specifications throughout the dwelling. The provision applies to both individual units and common areas, with specific rules varying depending on whether a property is a single unit or a multi-unit building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental residential properties in Berkeley are generally expected to maintain compliance with the full range of physical standards set out in § 10-18-6, including installing and maintaining functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, and properly rated electrical outlets with GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Owners of multi-unit buildings must also ensure parking facilities have perimeter curbs where required, are illuminated from sunset to sunrise at a minimum of one foot-candle, and that exterior egress points are similarly lit. When an insect infestation is found in more than one unit upon inspection, § 10-18-6(F) requires the owner to engage a licensed exterminator for monthly treatment of common areas and affected units through the remainder of the license year.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Berkeley rental properties are entitled to housing that meets the safety and maintenance standards described in § 10-18-6, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate lighting at exits and in parking areas, and properly protected electrical outlets. If a tenant believes their unit or building does not meet these standards — for example, missing GFCI outlets, inadequate lighting, or an unaddressed pest infestation — they may consider documenting the conditions and raising the issue with the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board or another appropriate local authority. Tenant-rights organizations in Berkeley can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under § 10-18-6.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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