Bay Area Point-of-Sale Requirements

Many Bay Area cities require certain inspections, reports, or upgrades before a home can change hands. Here’s an overview so there are no surprises in escrow.

What “point-of-sale” means

Separate from a buyer’s own inspections, many California cities and districts have point-of-sale (POS) ordinances — rules that require a seller to provide a specific report, pass an inspection, or make certain upgrades at the time of sale. They vary widely from city to city, so the first step is always to confirm what applies to your exact address.

Statewide basics (everywhere in California)

Working smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors.
Water heater properly braced/strapped against earthquakes.
Required disclosures — including a Natural Hazard Disclosure report (flood, fire, earthquake/seismic zones) and lead-based-paint disclosure for older homes.

Examples by area

San Francisco

Sellers typically must provide a 3R Report (Report of Residential Building Record, showing permit history) and obtain a water & energy conservation compliance certificate before close of escrow, on top of the standard state disclosures.

East Bay (EBMUD service area)

Cities served by EBMUD — including Oakland, Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, El Cerrito, and others — fall under the regional Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) ordinance, which generally requires a compliance certificate confirming the sewer lateral is sound (or a buyer agreement and refundable deposit to complete the work after closing). Oakland also has a sidewalk compliance requirement at sale.

Berkeley

Berkeley runs its own sewer-lateral program and requires a BESO energy assessment (Building Emissions Saving Ordinance) prior to selling most homes.

Peninsula & North Bay

Many San Mateo County and Marin cities have their own resale reports or sewer-lateral rules — some do, some don’t. Always confirm with the specific city.

Why it pays to get ahead of it

Point-of-sale items can take time — scheduling inspections, making repairs, pulling permits. Handling them early (ideally before you list) keeps them from delaying escrow or becoming a negotiating point. As part of our pre-listing process, we help you identify exactly what your city requires and line up the right vendors.

Please note: This is a general overview, not legal advice, and point-of-sale rules vary by city and change over time. Confirm current requirements for your address with the city and the relevant agency (for example, EBMUD’s sewer lateral program in the East Bay) or ask us.

Not sure what your city requires?

Tell us your address and we’ll help you map out exactly what’s needed to sell — and handle it smoothly.

Talk to Bea & Vera