If you are renting in an unincorporated area of Riverside County and your landlord is refusing to address serious habitability issues, you may have the option to request an inspection from Riverside County Code Enforcement.

This process can help document unsafe living conditions and, in some cases, require landlords to make repairs. Riverside Legal Aid can also help eligible renters understand their rights and options when habitability issues are not being resolved.

This option applies to renters living in unincorporated areas of Riverside County. If you live within city limits, a city code enforcement department may handle inspections instead.

What is a Code Enforcement inspection?

Riverside County Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing health and safety codes in unincorporated areas of the county. If a rental unit may violate these codes, renters can request an inspection.

If code violations are found, a landlord may be required to correct the issues. In some cases, landlords can face citations, required repairs, and possible fines.

Habitability issues that may qualify for an inspection

Habitability issues that may trigger a Code Enforcement inspection include, but are not limited to:

• Cockroach or other pest infestations
• Broken windows or doors
• Clogged drains
• Leaking plumbing
• Other health or safety code violations

These types of conditions can affect both your health and safety and may violate local or state housing standards.

How to file a complaint with Riverside County Code Enforcement

Complaints can be submitted to Riverside County Code Enforcement in several ways and are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. Immediate health or safety hazards are prioritized.

• Call: (951) 955-2004 or (760) 393-3344
• Email: Code@rivco.org
• Online: rctlma.org/ce/Report-a-Violation

For additional information about who to call and when, visit:
https://ce.rctlma.org/who-call.

What happens after you request an inspection?

After a complaint is submitted, Code Enforcement may review the information and determine whether an inspection is warranted. If an inspection takes place and violations are found, the landlord may be ordered to correct the issues within a specific timeframe.

In some cases, follow-up inspections may occur to confirm repairs were completed. The process and timeline can vary depending on the severity of the conditions and the nature of the complaint.

A note about tenant protections

Tenants have legal protections when reporting unsafe housing conditions. If you are concerned about possible retaliation from your landlord, Riverside Legal Aid can help you understand your rights and options before or after contacting Code Enforcement.

Need legal help with habitability issues?

Riverside Legal Aid provides free legal services to eligible Riverside County residents facing habitability issues and tenant rights concerns. Services are available regardless of immigration status.

If you are unsure whether Code Enforcement is the right step, if repairs are not made after an inspection, or if you are facing pressure or retaliation from your landlord, Riverside Legal Aid can help you understand your options and next steps.

Phone: (951) 888-2039
Website: www.riversidelegalaid.org