Santa Clara, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2024 International Property Maintenance Code
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. 2081, Nov. 4, 2025
- Prior code
- Housing Code (Ch. 15.25), repealed
- Cure period
- 5 business days, non-hazardous
- Enforcement
- SCCC § 15.80.010 / § 1.05.070
Summary
Santa Clara enforces minimum property maintenance and habitability standards through the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, adopted wholesale by SCCC § 15.18.010, effective November 4, 2025 under Ordinance No. 2081. Any Municipal Code reference to the former 'Housing Code' now means the Property Maintenance Code under § 15.18.020.
The 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted and by this reference expressly incorporated and made a part of this chapter as though fully set forth herein. The 2024 International Property Maintenance Code shall be designated and referred to as the "Property Maintenance Code" for the City of Santa Clara. ... Any reference to the "Housing Code" contained within the Code of the City of Santa Clara, California shall be interpreted as a reference to the Property Maintenance Code.
Full Breakdown
25. Because the IPMC governs minimum conditions for existing residential and nonresidential structures, including sanitation, light and ventilation, structural soundness, and maintenance of exterior and interior surfaces, its adoption sets the baseline habitability standard code enforcement applies to rental housing in Santa Clara. 070. 030(d) requires giving the responsible party at least five business days to correct the condition.
Violations & Fines
A Property Maintenance Code violation is enforceable under SCCC § 15.80.010 as a Title 15 violation, prosecutable at the City Attorney's discretion as a misdemeanor (up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail) or an infraction with graduated fines of $100, $200, and $500 under § 1.05.070, or through an administrative citation process carrying a mandatory five-business-day cure period for non-hazardous conditions under § 1.10.030(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
What code sets minimum habitability standards for rentals in Santa Clara?
Does Santa Clara still have a separate Housing Code for rental units?
How much notice does a landlord get before a Santa Clara property maintenance citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle repairs & habitability.