Renting Has Its Rights – Apartment Rent Ordinance and Tenant Protections

San Jose’s Apartment Rent Ordinance limits rent increases to 5% every 12 months and provides a system for landlords and tenants to seek dispute mediation. The Tenant Protection Ordinance requires landlords to cite a just cause before evicting tenants (13 just causes in San Jose); the Ellis Act Ordinance covers displaced tenants when apartments are demolished or removed from the rental market, with relocation benefits and advance notice of 120 days or longer in many circumstances; and the Housing Payment Equality Ordinance prohibits discrimination against housing voucher holders applying for rental housing in San Jose.