San Rafael, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum temp
- 68°F habitable rooms/bathrooms
- Base code
- International Property Maintenance Code, adopted
- Work spaces
- 65°F minimum while occupied
- Applies to
- Rented dwelling and sleeping units
Summary
San Rafael requires landlords to keep habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms at least 68°F during the heating season, amending the base Property Maintenance Code's heat-supply rule for local use.
602.3 Heat supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from [DATE] to [DATE] to maintain a temperature of not less than 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 12.260 adopts the International Property Maintenance Code by reference and then rewrites its heat-supply section for local use. Under amended Section 602.3, any owner or operator who rents, leases or lets a dwelling or sleeping unit must furnish heat during the seasonal period set in the code to maintain at least 68°F (20°C) in habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms; heated work spaces must stay at 65°F minimum. The codified text leaves the exact start and end dates of the heating season as placeholders, so confirm current dates with the community development department before relying on them.
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced under the Property Maintenance Code's amended notice, temporary-safeguard and demolition provisions, tied to San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 1.46 notice procedures and code-enforcement remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 68 degrees the legal minimum heat in my San Rafael rental?
Does state law also cover rental habitability in California?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.