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Landlord Resources
Prevent Housing Violations

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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.

Our Five Most Common Housing Violations video provides an overview.

Landlord Resources

Inadequate Vermin/Pest Exclusion

Conditions that promote pest intrusion include holes in/damage to windows, doors, vents, screens, refuse accumulation, and tree/bush limbs hanging within 3 feet of the roof.

Faulty Weather Protection

Deteriorated exterior paint, and faulty waterproofing of exterior walls, roof, foundation, windows, and doors; inadequate weather stripping; improperly sealed building piping, wiring, and vents.

Safety

Lack of properly maintained fire safety equipment (smoke detectors and fire extinguishers) and carbon monoxide monitors, and blocking unit exterior doors.

Structural Safety

Ensure your property is structurally safe! Unsecured/damaged hand and guard rails; damaged walkways, damaged supports for balconies/walkways, and damaged stairways are violations.

General Exterior Maintenance

Failure to maintain the surrounding property free of debris, inoperable vehicles, appliances, rodent harborages, stagnant water, and conditions that pose fire, health, or safety hazards.

Additional Resources

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Mold

Smoke-Free Housing

We value your feedback!

Take our brief survey!

We value your feedback on our informational outreach and ask you to respond through a brief survey. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your housing maintenance challenges and informational needs. Take the survey here. We want to hear from you! 

For more information on the Housing Inspection Program, contact San Mateo County Environmental Health Services at ehshousing@smcgov.org or (650) 372-6200, or visit smchealth.org/housing