San Jose Lease Agreement (2025)

• Ensure clear lease terms, including rent amount, due dates, and late fees, to avoid disputes.
• Familiarize yourself with state and local eviction procedures to handle non-compliance effectively.
• Consider offering longer lease terms to attract stable, long-term tenants.
• Stay updated on local housing laws and ordinances to ensure full compliance.

San Jose's rental landscape in 2025 remains robust, with a vacancy rate of approximately 4.5%, indicative of a healthy demand for rental properties. Popular neighborhoods such as Santana Row and Japantown attract young professionals and families alike, fostering a diverse community appeal. The city's rental demand is fueled by its proximity to Silicon Valley tech giants and educational institutions, attracting a steady influx of both domestic and international tenants. Landlord-tenant dynamics are influenced by California's progressive housing laws, which require landlords to be well-versed in tenant rights and obligations to ensure compliance and competitive tenancy offerings.

• Security deposit return within 21 days with itemized deductions: California law requires landlords to return security deposits within this timeframe, detailing any deductions made.
• Provide habitable living conditions: Under California Civil Code Section 1941.1, landlords must ensure properties meet health and safety standards.
• Disclose known safety hazards: Landlords must inform tenants of any potential hazards, such as lead-based paint, as mandated by state law.
• Adhere to rent increase notice requirements: California law requires landlords to provide a 30-day notice for rent increases of 10% or less, and 90 days for increases over 10%.
• Ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws: Landlords must follow California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, and other protected characteristics.

• Right to habitable premises under California housing code: Tenants are entitled to safe and livable conditions as per state health and safety regulations.
• Protection against retaliatory eviction: California law prohibits landlords from evicting tenants in retaliation for exercising their legal rights.
• Right to privacy: Landlords must provide reasonable notice, typically 24 hours, before entering a rental property.
• Protection under local rent control ordinances: While San Jose doesn't have city-wide rent control, some units may fall under state rent control laws.
• Right to withhold rent for necessary repairs: Tenants can withhold rent if landlords fail to address habitability issues, following proper legal procedures.

San Jose landlords must comply with specific local ordinances, including rental registration and periodic inspections to ensure housing quality. While San Jose itself doesn't enforce city-wide rent control, certain properties may be subject to California's statewide rent cap, which limits annual rent increases to 5% plus inflation. Landlords should also be aware of mandatory recycling and composting requirements as part of San Jose's environmental initiatives.

State: California

City: San Jose

Document Type: Residential Lease