Landlords with ties to Silicon Valley have been targeted by the U.S. Justice Department in its growing effort to stop property owners from using tech software to influence rent prices. Federal officials on Tuesday added six corporate landlords to an existing lawsuit against RealPage, a company accused of providing property management software used to maximize rent prices....
Housing
Housing
San Jose starts ban on RV street parking
San Jose has begun temporarily banning RVs in designated areas across the city this week. Under a $3.3 million pilot program, Oversized and Lived-In Vehicle Enforcement (OLIVE), the city has chosen 30 temporary tow-away zones to clear RVs for street sweeping and cleanup throughout this year. It will establish a new temporary tow-away zone every...
San Jose tenant illegally ran an unlicensed independent living home
A San Jose landlord has filed a complaint to evict a tenant operating an unlicensed business at her property without her knowledge. Nelson Muan signed a lease agreement with Angela To in 2013. He then, unbeknownst to her, illegally converted the property on 659 N. 13th St. into an unlicensed independent living home. Muan converted...
Santa Clara County agritourism threatened by development
Santa Clara County officials remain out of compliance with state housing laws, which could put their agricultural tourism efforts in a race against developments proposing to pave over the Valley of Heart’s Delight remaining farmland — with or without their approval. A San José Spotlight review of county builder’s remedy applications shows at least 20...
Silicon Valley homeless services provider has new leadership
HomeFirst’s new leader says the homeless support services nonprofit is looking to turn the page. René Ramirez was permanently appointed as CEO last month, after his predecessor Andrea Urton stepped down in July amid turmoil within the organization. Ramirez, who at that time was chief operating officer, became the interim CEO. After a nationwide search,...
San Jose homeless camps spark safety issues for railroad workers
Homeless residents living along train tracks pose an unsafe and dangerous problem for railroad workers across California cities, including San Jose. Recent videos shared by a San Jose-based railroad enthusiast show workers and riders passing by homeless camps close to the tracks — giving a glimpse into some of the most egregious encampment sites. While railroad officials...
Silicon Valley commercial vacancy rates pass 20%
Silicon Valley companies are adjusting their needs for in-person work spaces as employees refuse to go back to the office. Commercial vacancy rates continue to climb, even though development is making a comeback, according to a December report from Joint Venture Silicon Valley and commercial real estate firm JLL Silicon Valley. Vacancy rates are up...
Rental listing scams are up in Santa Clara County
Rental listing scams are becoming more elaborate, with local authorities warning residents to take caution. When Shereen Jarrett was searching for an affordable apartment during the months she was homeless, numerous red flags popped up. After visiting properties, she learned there were no vacancies and the person claiming to be the property owner was an...
Cupertino renters may get a reprieve from losing their homes
Cupertino residents facing displacement because of rising costs and expiring contracts may find a reprieve through new city policy. The Cupertino Housing Commission unanimously recommended implementing anti-displacement policies last month to help residents living in 114 affordable homes where rents will likely skyrocket to market-rate value by 2040. The policies include a push to prioritize...
How Santa Clara County divvied up its housing bond dollars
A $950 million affordable housing bond has helped build thousands of affordable homes across Santa Clara County, though its efforts have focused on some parts of the region more than others. Measure A, passed by voters in 2016, has helped fund the construction of 5,135 new homes and smashed the county’s goal of 4,800 in...