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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.

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.

• Guidelines for Hiring Effective Pest Control in your building
• 3 Steps to a Pest-Free Apartment
• Pest Exclusion Guidance
• Healthy Homes: Safer Pest Control

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.

• Check with your local building codes for current requirements.
• ADA Standards resource

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)

• Why IPM Makes Good Business Sense
• IPM Resources from CA Healthy Housing Coalition
• Stop Pests in Housing
• IPM for Housing Owners and Managers, Boston Public Health Commission 
• Massachusetts IPM Toolkit

Mold

• Three Steps to a Healthy Home
• CA Department of Public Health (CDPH):
  • Mold and Dampness resources
  • Science-based Advice for Code Enforcement
  • Mold and Dampness Information for Renters
  • Mold in the Home Video Series
  • Healthy Homes & Communities
• A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home – US EPA

Smoke-Free Housing

• Smoke-Free Housing Resources for Landlords
• San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition

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