No Statewide Requirement

Generally, home inspections are not required by law in California for purchasing a home. This means that in most counties, a home inspection is not mandated when you buy a property.

Local Ordinances and Special Cases: However, certain local ordinances or specific conditions might require inspections:

San Francisco: The Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO) requires an energy inspection for certain properties.

Oakland: Homes within the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) area require a sewer lateral inspection.

Berkeley: Similar to Oakland, there can be requirements for sewer lateral inspections, and there’s also a RECO program for energy conservation.

Other Counties/Cities: Some cities or counties might require specific inspections like a 3R report (building permit history), water & energy inspections for compliance with local environmental regulations, or pest inspections under certain conditions. For example, in some areas, a termite inspection might be necessary if the property is in a known pest-prone zone.

Lender Requirements: While not county-specific, if you’re purchasing a home with a mortgage, your lender might require an appraisal, which is different from a home inspection but can sometimes uncover issues that might prompt an inspection. However, this does not equate to a mandatory home inspection.

Escrow and Contractual Conditions: Many purchase agreements include a home inspection contingency, allowing buyers to perform inspections and potentially back out or negotiate based on findings, but this is by contract rather than by county regulation.

Conclusion: No counties in California universally require a home inspection for all home purchases by law. However, specific local ordinances or conditions in cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley might necessitate additional inspections for certain aspects of the property. Always check with local ordinances or your real estate agent about any specific requirements in the county or city where you’re buying a home.