Do this today
- Photograph the condition. Write the date.
- Dial 311 or file with San Jose Housing.
- If there is no heat, no water, or a gas smell: 911 or the utility first.
What does “livable” mean in San Jose?
Heat, water, sanitation, and structural safety are the usual floor. The exact list is in California Civil Code — hiring of real property and often in the city housing code San Jose Housing enforces. This desk does not reprint temperature charts or hour-counts.
What if nothing happens after I report it?
Keep the request numbers from 311 or San Jose Housing. Take that file to legal aid. Do not skip rent on a rumor. If the condition is dangerous tonight — no heat in winter, a gas leak, a collapsed ceiling — treat it as an emergency.
The San Jose layer
San Jose Housing administers the local rent ordinance. Neighboring cities have different programs.
California Civil Code — hiring of real property (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940 to 1954.06) is the California floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
San Jose questions
What if there is no heat or no water in San Jose?
Treat it as urgent. Dial 311 or file with San Jose Housing. If it is dangerous tonight, 911 or the utility. Then write it down and call legal aid before you skip rent.
What number should I call in San Jose?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. San Jose Housing does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org