Substandard Housing Enforcement

About the Program

The Substandard Housing Program responds to complaints initiated by occupants of rental units, Code Enforcement staff, and other internal/external agencies. We enforce the California Health and Safety code 17920.3 as well as other regulations relating to building violations, zoning violations and lack of proper maintenance to the dwelling units.

What to Expect

Upon receiving the complaint, a case is initiated. If the violations are considered a “Priority” violation the case will be forwarded to the Officer of the area for an inspection to occur within 72 hours. For all other violations a warning letter will be sent to the property owner and manager (if applicable). This letter will provide approximately 30 days to have the repairs made. Once the timeline has lapsed, a call may be placed to the complaining party to verify the status of the complaint. An officer may also conduct an onsite inspection of the property to verify compliance. If violations are found at the time of the inspection, a Notice of Violation will be issued to the property owner. There are costs associated with inspections resulting in confirmed violations. Ongoing violations can result in administrative penalties.

Violations

Priority Violations include but are not limited to;

• Collapsing roof/ceiling
• Lack of required utilities
• Lack of hot/cold running water
• Surfacing Sewage​
  

Other Common Housing Violations include but are not limited to;

• Infestation of cockroaches/rodents
• Electrical not in safe, working condition
  • Exposed electrical wiring
• Plumbing not in safe, working condition
  • Leaking sinks/toilets/bathtubs

You may also view the California Health and Safety Code 17920.3 for a list of all the requirements.

Contact

Phone: 916-874-6444 ​​/ FAX: 916-874-8409  / Email: HousingProgram@SacCounty.gov
10481 Armstrong Avenue, Suite 110, Mather, CA 95655

To report violation​s: https://311.saccounty.gov ​or 916-875-4311

Additional Information

• Bedbugs
• Cockroaches
• Hoarders

Agencies/Resources

• File complaints through​ 311 Connect
  
• Referral Services – 211Sacramento
  
  • ​​​​​Tenant-Landlord Advice - The Renters Helpline​: Sacramento Self Help Housing & Renters Helpline Closure. Please note, the Renters Helpline is temporarily closed with the closure of our parent organization, Sacramento Self Help Housing. 
  • If you are in need of information about tenant legal supports, housing, or other community resources, please contact 211 Sacramento by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-844-546-1464 (toll-free).​
• ​Legal Services of Northern California
  
• Sacramento Association of Realtors
• Sacramento Mutual Housing Association
• Rental Housing Association of Sacramento Valley​​​​ 
  
• California Department of Public Health – Bedbugs
• California Department of Public Health - Mold​
  

Sacramento County Fair Housing Resources

Tenants and landlords seeking help with disputes, legal advice or other housing related information and regulations can find helpful resources at Sacramento County’s Fair Housing ​webpage. Fair Housing laws include the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, and also prohibit certain forms of discrimination in the sale and rental of housing.