Rental Housing Safety Program
The City of Modesto has adopted a Rental Housing Safety Program. The program is intended to maintain the supply of safe, decent, and sound affordable housing through the conservation and rehabilitation of the City’s existing housing stock. It was approved by the City Council in 2019
FAQs
- Who developed the program?
The City of Modesto partnered with the CA. Apartment Association, CRLA, Project Sentinel, and
Sweet Properties to come up with a program that works for the people of Modesto.
- Is there a fee to register?
No. There is no registration fee. Nonresponsive rental properties will be added by the City to the registry as noncompliant and those property owners will be subject to applicable fines.
- Will all rental units be inspected?
Up to ten percent of all rental units in the Self-Certification program shall be selected (based on statistical information) for inspections. There will be a $100 inspection fee for selected properties.
- What is the Self-Certification Program?
Property owners or their local representative will conduct an annual inspection of their rental unit and make repairs as necessary, then certify that the unit meets the minimum standards of the program.
- Are there any exemptions?
Newly constructed buildings less than 10 years old are exempt. Rental housing units inspected annually by a government agency such as the Housing Authority or HUD are exempt. Granny units where the owner lives on the property are exempt. Roommate situations are not within the scope of the program.
- How do I register my property for the program? You can register your property by filling out the registration form here- https://www.modestogov.com/FormCenter/Building-Safety-and-Neighborhood-Preserv-26/Rental-Housing-Program-Registration-Form-402
- How do I self certify my property? You can certify that your property meets the minimum requirements by filling out the self-certification form here- https://www.modestogov.com/FormCenter/Building-Safety-and-Neighborhood-Preserv-26/Rental-Housing-Self-Certification-Checkl-403
What does the program require?
- Hot and cold running water
- Electrical power (No generators)
- Heat
- Functioning sewer system
- Safe entry door
- Safe exits
- No mold or other infestations
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Functioning Mechanical Systems
- Properly Functioning Windows
- Water heaters properly secured
- Address numbers legible from the street
- Stairways in good condition
- Roofs free of tarps