Rental Inspections in San Jose, CA (2026)
5 verified rental inspections rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Inspection Programs
San Jose requires all multifamily rental properties to obtain a Residential Occupancy Permit (ROP) under SJMC Section 17.20.520, renewed annually. Code Enforcement routinely inspects building exteriors, common areas, and a percentage of individual units for safe, decent, and sanitary conditions.
San Jose Multiple Housing Inspection Program
Heavy RestrictionsHabitability Standards
San Jose enforces habitability standards through the Multiple Housing Inspection Program and California Civil Code Section 1941.1. Rental units must have working plumbing, heating, electrical, weatherproofing, sanitation, and structural integrity. Landlords must maintain premises in habitable condition.
San Jose Rental Habitability Standards
Heavy RestrictionsTenant Complaint Process
San Jose tenants can file complaints with Code Enforcement to trigger inspections of their unit, building exterior, or common areas under the Multiple Housing Inspection Program. The city issues correction notices to landlords and tracks compliance. Retaliation against complaining tenants is prohibited.
San Jose Tenant Complaint Process
Some RestrictionsSystematic Code Enforcement (SCEP)
San Jose's Multiple Housing Program (MHP) under SJMC Chapter 17.20 systematically inspects every apartment complex of three or more units roughly every one to four years, charging owners annual fees and issuing notices of violation for habitability and code defects.
San Jose Multiple Housing Program Rental Inspections
Heavy RestrictionsLead-Hazard Inspections
California Code of Regulations Title 17 Sections 35001-36100 govern lead-based paint hazard identification and abatement in California rentals. San Jose's Multiple Housing Program inspects pre-1978 apartments for deteriorated paint, referring confirmed lead hazards to CDPH and Santa Clara County Public Health.
San Jose Lead Paint Hazards in Rental Inspections
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Rental Inspections in Santa Clara County →