San Leandro, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Section 7-5-300 of the Municipal Code (Chapter 7-5, Article 3) adopts the "2018 Property Maintenance Code" published by the International Code Council as the City's Property Maintenance Code, with the local text controlling wherever the two conflict. Section 7-5-325 then defines a "substandard building," including any dwelling unit, guest room, or suite of rooms whose conditions endanger the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of occupants or the public. " Structural hazards cover deteriorated foundations, floor supports, walls, and ceilings that cannot safely carry their loads.

Faulty weather protection covers crumbling plaster, broken windows or doors, and broken, rotted, or buckled exterior wall or roof coverings. The section also reaches unsafe wiring, plumbing, or mechanical equipment, any fire hazard from accumulated debris or vegetation, and inadequate exits or fire-resistive construction. Enforcement follows the same administrative procedure as the Building Code under Section 7-5-305: the Building Official issues a written notice and order under Section 7-5-1120 describing the substandard condition, and the owner has 15 days (or up to 30 with good cause) to start the required repair, vacation, or demolition work, with a right to appeal to the Board of Appeals within 10 days of service. Fees follow the Article 1 schedule under Section 7-5-320.