Unincorporated San Mateo County does NOT have a rental registration program. Landlords must comply with state habitability laws (Civil Code §1941.1) and the California Building Code. Business license required only for property management companies, not individual landlords.
San Mateo County has not adopted a rental housing inspection or registration program for unincorporated areas. Landlords are not required to register units with the County. However, all rental units must meet state habitability standards under Civil Code §1941.1 including weatherproofing, plumbing, hot/cold water, heating, electrical, clean/sanitary buildings, adequate trash receptacles, and working smoke/CO detectors. Pre-1978 buildings require federal lead-based paint disclosure (Title X). Bedbug notification required under Civil Code §1954.603. Mold, asbestos, and flood disclosures apply. The Health Policy and Planning Division responds to habitability complaints. San Francisco International Airport noise overlay may require sound attenuation disclosure for properties near SFO. Short-term rentals are separately regulated (see STR permit requirements).
Habitability violations: tenant may repair-and-deduct (Civil Code §1942), withhold rent, or sue. Health Department can condemn uninhabitable units. Landlord may face civil penalties up to $5,000 per unit for willful violations. Failure to disclose lead paint: federal penalties up to $19,507.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Mateo County, CA
Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA under federal law, not by the County's local noise ordinance. The County of San Mateo operates San Carlos and Half Moo...
San Mateo County, CA
Industrial and commercial noise in unincorporated San Mateo County is controlled through the exterior noise standards of County Code 4.88.330 (measured at ne...
San Mateo County, CA
Outdoor music in unincorporated San Mateo County must comply with the exterior decibel limits in County Code 4.88.330 and must not be unreasonably loud under...
San Mateo County, CA
County Code 4.88.330 sets exterior noise limits at residences, schools, hospitals, churches and libraries on a sliding scale by how long the noise lasts in a...
San Mateo County, CA
Noise from motor vehicles operated on public roads in unincorporated San Mateo County is primarily controlled by the California Vehicle Code, which requires ...
San Mateo County, CA
Curb markings on unincorporated County roads are installed by the Department of Public Works and only after Board of Supervisors approval. Standard Californi...
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