Fresno Renter Rights: Reporting Pests & The RHIP Inspection Program (2026)

Verified for 2026 | City of Fresno Rental Housing Improvement Program (RHIP)

Fresno is different from other California cities. While most cities wait for you to complain, Fresno uses a Proactive Inspection system called the Rental Housing Improvement Program (RHIP). This means the city randomly selects apartments for mandatory “Baseline Inspections” to ensure they meet health standards.

This is bad news for slumlords but great news for tenants. If your unit is infested with Turkestan Roaches (a common Valley pest), you don’t just have to hope the landlord fixes it—the City might force them to.

Who Do I Call? (Code vs. Vector)

1. The “RHIP” Inspection (Mandatory Checks)

The Rental Housing Improvement Program is Fresno’s main weapon against substandard housing. It requires that all rental properties be registered with the City.

2. How to Report with FresGO

If you don’t want to wait for a random inspection, you can force one. The City uses the FresGO system (available as an app or online).

1. Step 1: Download the “FresGO” app.
2. Step 2: Choose “Code Enforcement” -> “Substandard Housing.”
3. Step 3: Take a photo of the pest issue (e.g., roaches in the kitchen trap).
4. Step 4: Submit. The system routes it directly to the Neighborhood Revitalization Team.

Note: You can report anonymously, but providing your contact info allows the inspector to call you for entry.

3. The Valley Roach Problem

Fresno has a specific problem with Turkestan Cockroaches (often called “Rusty Reds”). They live in the sewer lines and irrigation boxes outdoors but invade homes during the summer heat.

Tenant Tip: If you see these roaches, check your door sweeps. They usually crawl under the front door or through garage gaps. Asking your landlord to “install new weatherstripping” is often more effective than asking them to “spray.”

4. Pre-Inspection Checklist

Before Code Enforcement arrives, you must ensure the unit is “inspection ready” so the landlord cannot blame you.

• Clear the Sink: Do not leave standing water or dishes.
• Unlock Gates: Ensure the inspector can access the backyard to check for rat harborage.
• Secure Pets: Inspectors will not enter if a dog is loose in the yard.

5. Official Demand Letter Generator

Before using FresGO or waiting for an RHIP inspection, you must provide written notice to your landlord to protect yourself from retaliation under Civil Code § 1942.5. Use our tool below to instantly generate a legally formatted Civil Code § 1941.1 demand letter.