Tenant Resources
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 Inspection Checklist within five business days of conducting their inspection.
- 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 are responsible for:
- Maintaining the dwelling unit in a clean and sanitary condition
- Using reasonable care in the use and operation of required plumbing and other fixtures and maintaining them in a clean and sanitary condition
- Exterminating any insects, rodents, or other pests whenever the dwelling unit is the only one in the building infested, and the building is reasonably insect- and rodent-proofed
- Disposing of all garbage and refuse in compliance with the provisions of this code
- Not placing on the premises any material which causes a fire hazard or otherwise endangers the health or safety of any occupants of the building
- Not storing on the premises any furniture, equipment or material which harbors insects, rodents, or other pests
- Not allowing the dwelling unit to be occupied or used in any manner which violates the municipal code
Rental Dispute Mediation and Arbitration
Contact the Housing Department's Rental Rights and Referrals Program at (408) 975-4480. Information is available on the Apartment Rent Ordinance
webpage.
Tenant Resources