Multi-Family Housing Inspection Program
Self-Certification Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Self-Certification"?
Self-Certification is a process by which owners "certify" that all dwelling units in their multi-family housing complexes meet or exceed the standards set forth in the City of Concord Municipal Code. This process was approved by the Concord City Council as an amendment to the Multi-Family Housing Inspection (MFHIP) Ordinance effective January 4, 2004. The MFHIP Ordinance establishes minimum property maintenance standards for multi-family sites of four (4) or more dwelling units.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Owners of well maintained multi-family properties that have the following characteristics may apply to participate in the Self-Certification Program: no previously identified and uncorrected violations of the Concord Municipal Codes and/or California State Building, Housing and Health and Safety Codes; no outstanding citations, inspection or abatement fees; and a current business license for the facility.
How do I apply?
City staff will send an invoice for the annual inspection fees and a cover letter explaining the self-certification process to each licensed multifamily property owner the first year of each self-certification cycle. Eligible property owners wishing to participate in the self-certification program should take the following steps:
- Download the Self-Certification Packet (includes: Application, Affidavit, Checklist and Instructions) and use the Inspection Checklist to conduct a self-inspection of all rental units including interior, exterior and site conditions.
- Determine whether the property meets the conditions identified on the Self-Certification Inspection Checklist. By signing the Affidavit, the responsible party is certifying that the property meets or exceeds the standards set forth in the Self-Certification Inspection Checklist.
- Complete and return the Self-Certification Application and signed Affidavit to the City of Concord’s Neighborhood Services Department along with the application fee plus 100% of the inspection fees billed.
The application, application fee, affidavit, and inspection fees shall be submitted to the Neighborhood Services Department by the due date specified on the invoice. All late submissions and/or payments will disqualify the applicant from participating in the self-certification program.
What happens next?
Upon receipt of the Self-Certication Application Packet, Neighborhood Services staff will review and make a determination whether the property is eligible to participate in the Self-Certification Program. If the property is deemed eligible, the property owner will receive an inspection notice advising of the date that staff will conduct a verification inspection of 20% of the dwelling units, the entire exterior of the buildings, and the site.
If the inspection confirms that the property meets or exceeds City requirements, self-certification will be approved and the property owner will only be charged for the number of units that are inspected. The full cost for this service will be deducted from the Multiple Family Rental Dwelling Unit Inspection and Maintenance Fees already remitted. Any remaining funds will be returned to the property owner. The property will be exempt from regularly scheduled inspections and fees for three (3) years.
What must I do to maintain Self-Certification status?
Each year, owners are required to use the Self-Certification Inspection Checklist and conduct a self-inspection of all rental units including interior, exterior and site conditions. After the property has been inspected, the property owner will determine whether the property still meets the conditions identified on the Self-Certifcation Inspection Checklist. If so, the Recertification Affidavit of Self-Certification should be signed and sent to the Neighborhood Services Division each year. Failure to conduct the self-inspection and/or failure to complete and return the Recertfication form will result in the termination of Self-Certification status.
What if violations occur during the three-year period?
If staff receives a complaint about conditions at the property, an inspection will be conducted. Staff will also conduct inspections if exterior violations are noted. If corrections are not made within the time allowed by the MFHIP ordinance, or if the violations identified are caused by deferred maintenance or immediately affect the health and safety of the residents the property will be removed from the self-certification program and all units will be inspected. The owner will have to pay the inspection fee for the remaining units left to be inspected, plus any citations or abatement costs.
How can I get more information regarding regulations that pertain to Multi-Family Housing?
- Read more about the Multi-Family Self-Certification Program.
- Read the Multi-Family Municipal code describing self-certification and the multi-family inspection program.
- Read the Public Nuisance Municipal code.
- Read about Business licensing.
- Read about Building permits.
- Read about landlord and tenant housing rights at HousingRights.org
- If you still need information or have questions, call (925) 671-3075.
