Rental Housing & Vacant Homes

Frequently Asked Questions

As a Tenant, Should Code Enforcement be Contacted if there is a Maintenance Problem in My Unit?

Notify the property owner, landlord, or property manager of all maintenance issues and allow a reasonable amount of time for the repairs to be made.

It is the responsibility of the tenant to allow access to the unit for such repairs. If the repairs are not made in a timely fashion, then contacting Code Enforcement may be appropriate.

How does Code Enforcement Respond to Housing Complaints?

An Officer will conduct an inspection within 72 business hours of receiving a complaint for Priority Housing Violations (See examples).

For all others, an advisory letter will be mailed to the property owner allowing thirty days for the repairs/corrections to be made. After thirty days, the officer will contact the tenant to verify the repairs were made. If the violations remain, an inspection will be conducted. Examples of Housing Violations:

Priority Violations:

Surfacing Sewage
Lack of Heat
Lack of Required Utilities
Lack of Water and/or Hot Water
Collapsing Roof/Ceiling
Vacant, open and accessible dwelling

Vacant, open and accessible dwelling

Other Violations:

Plumbing Leak
Roof Leak
Vector Infestation
Broken Windows
Electrical Malfunction
Holes in Wall
Unsanitary Premises
Rodent Harborage
Vacant building with overgrown vegetation (CA H&S 17920.3, SCC 16.18.401 (Y))

Should I Contact Code Enforcement about a Vacant House?

A vacant house is not a violation of any County code. However, if a home is vacant, open and accessible and is also being accessed by unauthorized persons, Code Enforcement can respond and ensure that the property is secured. Contact the Sheriff’s Department if you see such illegal activity.

It is also a violation if the landscaping of a vacant building is not being maintained and the dead grass/weeds exceed 12 inches over 50% of the yard. (SCC 16.18.401(X) & (Y), 16.23.010).

Who do I contact if I find mildew within my rental housing unit?

If you have discovered water intrusion within your unit, you should first check with your landlord. Typically, structural or plumbing repair work is the landlord's responsibility. Problems with surface accumulation of mildew are the responsibility of the tenant to fix.

Mold is a similar problem to mildew, but may be caused by problems that go beyond the surface to deeper levels of the structure.

If you are not able to resolve your structural, plumbing, or mold issues with your landlord, you may call file a complaint at Sacramento County 311 Connect.

Get more information about mold issues, how to get rid of mold and additional contact information if you live within the cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove or Folsom at the Sacramento Environmental Management Department.

Code Enforcement