Report a Problem: Housing
Housing
Property Owners and Managers – Prevent Housing Violations
PRESENTATION: PREVENTING THE MOST COMMON HOUSING VIOLATIONS
On March 29, 2023, the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services’ Housing Inspection Program gave a presentation on Preventing the Most Common Housing Violations, in support of safe and healthy properties ready for housing inspection. The webinar highlighted the County’s five most common rental housing violations and best practices to prevent them. The presentation is accessible here.
Address common housing violations before your next inspection.
For additional information on the Housing Inspection Program please review the Housing Inspection Program Packet.
Sign up to receive important housing program email and/or text notifications
Renters – How to File a Complaint
To file a complaint about:
- Leaking roofs
- Faulty plumbing
- Inadequate heating
- Substandard electrical problems
- Pests (including rodents and cockroaches)
- Mold
- Lead
In these places:
- Rental properties (apartment buildings of 4 units or more)
- Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts
- Mobile home parks (within unincorporated San Mateo County)
- Detention facilities
- Organized camps
- Employee housing
- Employee Housing Regulations
- Useful link: hcd.ca.gov
Call (650) 599-1112 or use the Online Complaint Form. Environmental Health Services can only respond to complaints made about the above places.
If you reside within the City of San Mateo or the City of San Carlos, contact your local Code Enforcement Department directly for more information on registering a complaint.
- City of San Mateo Code Enforcement: (650) 522-7150
- City of San Carlos Code Enforcement: (650) 802-4100
Complaints concerning asbestos should be reported to Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). You can file a complaint by calling 1-800-334-6367 or online by clicking here.
Complaints concerning Housing Authority, HUD, or Section 8 should be directed to the San Mateo County Department of Housing at 650-802-3300.
If you’d like to file a complaint about a townhome or condominium, contact the owner, HOA, or obtain legal advice.
Employee Housing Operations
Program Overview
The Employee Housing Act and the adopted regulations govern the standards for the construction, maintenance, use, and occupancy of living quarters, called “employee housing,” provided for five or more employees under specified circumstances. Employee housing subject to the Act is privately-operated and does not include government-owned and -operated migrant worker facilities.
In general, employee housing is privately-owned housing that houses five or more employees and meets the following criteria:
- Living quarters are provided in connection with any work, whether or not rent is involved.
- Housing is located in a rural area that is:
- Provided by someone who is not an agricultural employer, and
- Provided for agricultural workers employed by any agricultural employer.
Inspection
The inspection responsibilities of San Mateo County include the following activities:
Inspecting employee housing: Inspections are completed prior to and during occupancy to assure compliance with the use, maintenance, and occupancy requirements established by the laws and regulations, as well as applicable sections of Title 24, California Building Standards Code.
Investigation of complaints of violations of the Employee Housing Act and the regulations.
Laws
The State Law governing employee housing is entitled the “Employee Housing Act” and may be found in Division 13, Part 1 of the California Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 17000. This Act establishes requirements for permits, fees, and responsibilities of employee housing operators and enforcement agencies, including the Department.
Regulations
Title 25, California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 includes specific requirements for the construction of housing, maintenance of grounds and buildings, minimum allowable sleeping space and facilities, sanitation, and heating. The provisions of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) govern the construction of permanent buildings used for employee housing. (See also State Housing Law for appropriate building standards.) The construction of mobilehome and recreational vehicle lots within an employee housing facility is subject to provisions in the Mobilehome Parks Act and regulations adopted by the Department for such facilities.
Employee Housing Resources
Employee Housing Building Standards – CA Dept. of Housing and Community Development
Employee Housing Facility Inspection Information Booklet for Owners, Operators, and Residents
Resources from CA Dept. of Housing and Community Development
View the 2023 Certificate of Non-Operation here
Healthy Home Resources
Pests need water, food, and shelter to live, just like you. Explore what you can do to get rid of them and prevent them from invading your home.
Reducing moisture prevents and reduces mold growth. Your first action is to address the source of the moisture, which causes mold.
Landlord Resources
Prevent Housing Violations
Sign up to receive important housing program email and/or text notifications
Multi-family dwellings are inspected periodically for health and safety violations by Environmental Health Services (EHS). If you own or manage a multi-family dwelling in San Mateo County, use the information below to ensure your property is safe, healthy, and ready for inspection. To avoid violations, correct any potential issues before your inspection.
