San Jose, CA Rental Property Rules: Relocation Assistance (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- SJMC 17.23.1300 (TPO)
- Standard amount
- Three months HUD FMR
- Vulnerable enhancement
- One additional month
- Filed with
- SJ Housing Department
- Paid by
- Tenant move-out date
Summary
Under San Jose's Tenant Protection Ordinance, landlords ending an apartment tenancy for no-fault reasons must pay tiered relocation assistance. Amounts equal multiple months of rent and add a higher tier for qualified vulnerable households.
(vi) (I) If the intended occupant fails to occupy the rental unit within 90 days after the tenant vacates or fails to occupy the rental unit as their primary residence for at least 12 consecutive months, the owner shall offer the unit to the tenant who vacated it at the same rent and lease terms in effect at the time the tenant vacated and shall reimburse the tenant for reasonable moving expenses incurred in excess of any relocation assistance that was paid to the tenant in connection with the written notice.
Full Breakdown
SJMC Chapter 17.23 Part 14 (Tenant Protection Ordinance) requires landlords to pay relocation assistance whenever they invoke a no-fault just cause to end a tenancy at an Apartment Rent Ordinance unit or other covered rental. Standard relocation equals the equivalent of three months of HUD Fair Market Rent for a similarly sized unit, plus a moving allowance. Households with seniors aged 62 or older, disabled persons, families with minor children, or low-income tenants under 80 percent of area median income receive an additional one-month enhancement. The landlord must provide written notice of the right to relocation, pay before the move-out date, and file a Notice of Termination with the Housing Department.
Violations & Fines
Failing to pay relocation, omitting required notices, or filing a sham no-fault eviction voids the termination, exposes landlords to tenant lawsuits, civil penalties, and Housing Department enforcement actions including fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the higher relocation tier?
When must relocation be paid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
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