Rental Registration: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do rental registration rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Landlords of CSFRA-covered units must register with the Mountain View Rental Housing Committee and pay an annual per-unit fee. Registration is required before collecting rent or serving notices.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose requires landlords of rent-stabilized units to register with the City's Rent Stabilization Program. Landlords must pay an annual Rental Unit Tax and provide tenants with notices of their rights under the Apartment Rent Ordinance. The registration requirement applies to all rental units in buildings with 3+ units that received a certificate of occupancy before September 7, 1979. The City maintains a database of registered rental properties for program administration and tenant protection.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Rental Housing Committee (RHC) | - |
| Who registers | Owners of CSFRA-covered units | - |
| Frequency | Annual plus initial statement | - |
| Penalty for non-registration | Cannot raise rent or evict | - |
| Exempt units | SFR, post-1995 builds, ADUs | - |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 17.23 |
| Coverage | - | Buildings with 3+ units, CoO before Sept 7, 1979 |
| Requirement | - | Annual registration and Rental Unit Tax payment |
| Updates | - | Must update within 30 days of changes |
| Tenant Notice | - | Must provide tenants notice of ARO rights |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need to register a single-family rental?
No. CSFRA registration applies only to multi-family units built before February 1, 1995. Single-family rentals are exempt but may still fall under AB 1482 rent cap rules.
What happens if I miss a registration year?
The RHC may bar you from increasing rent or filing an unlawful detainer until you become current. Late fees and interest may also apply.
San Jose FAQ
How do I register my rental property in San Jose?
Register through the City's Rent Stabilization Program at sanjoseca.gov/housing. You must provide property and unit details, current rents, and pay the annual Rental Unit Tax.
What happens if I don't register my rental units?
Unregistered landlords cannot impose rent increases and may face administrative penalties. Tenants retain all rights under the ARO regardless of the landlord's registration status.
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