If Repairs Are Needed
Tenants are encouraged to report needed repairs to the property owner or manager in a timely manner. Open communication helps owners in maintaining their property. Residents may also contact Code Enforcement to request an inspection of their unit, the common area or outside building conditions.  A copy of a correction notice issued to the owner or manager will be provided to the resident upon request.

Routine Code Enforcement Inspections  
Frequently Asked Questions 
For multi-family buildings, we conduct regular and routine inspections of the building exterior, common areas, and a percentage of the units. The inspection cycle time is based upon the building's service level tier assignment:
    

• Tier 1 - Buildings in Tier 1 are inspected every six years. Owners of Tier 1 buildings must provide tenants with a copy of the Self-Certification Checklist within five business days of completing it. 
• Tier 2 - Buildings in Tier 2 are inspected every five years.
• Tier 3 - Buildings in Tier 3 are inspected every three years.

Use of the checklist is optional for owners with buildings in Tiers 2 and 3. To find out the tier assignment, search the Multiple Housing Roster.

Property Owner and Tenant Responsibilities
Property owners are responsible for maintaining buildings in compliance with the San Jose Municipal Code, including the Housing Code (Chapter 17.20) and the Community Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 17.72).  

Tenants must (SJMC 17.20.920 C):

• Keep the unit clean
• Use reasonable care when operating plumbing
• Exterminate insects, rodents, or other pests if the unit is the only one infested, and the building is reasonably insect- and rodent-proofed
• Properly dispose of all garbage and refuse
• Do not place or store material that causes a fire hazard or could endanger others
• Do not store furniture, equipment or material that has insects, rodents, or other pests in it
• Do not allow the unit to be occupied or used in a way that violates the municipal code

Rental Dispute Mediation and Arbitration
Contact the Housing Department's Rental Rights and Referrals Program at (408) 975-4480. San Jose adopted a Tenant Protection Ordinance.

Tenant Resources

• Crime Prevention
• Fair Housing Law Project
• Laundering Items to Kill Bed Bugs and new CA law for tenants and landlords.
• Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County
• Mental Health Advocacy Project 
• Mold and Moisture in My Home What to I Do? CA Brochure
• Project Sentinel resources on Tenant Assistance and Housing Discrimination
• Notice of Tenants' Rights
• Retaliatory Evictions - California Department of Consumer Affairs
• Vector Control for Santa Clara County