Campbell homeowners applying for a tiny home could get city approval in days. Campbell launched an express backyard home permit process this month that shortens approval time to a week or less — the fastest in Santa Clara County where approvals can average between two to three months. The city is accepting two qualifying applications...
San Jose gives more equity to first-time homebuyers
Hundreds of first-time San Jose homeowners who took out loans with the city to make down payments are set to get back tens of thousands of dollars in home equity. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously April 8 to restore home equity shares for residents who bought homes under the city’s defunct First-Time Homebuyer...
San Jose landlords want help instead of fines
South San Jose property owners want code enforcement to spend more time working with them on potential violations rather than punishing them. District 10 Councilmember George Casey arranged for landlords and San Jose Planning, Building and Code Enforcement officials to tour a neighborhood on Feb. 28 between Blossom Hill Road and Almaden Expressway. Landlords want...
San Jose says mobile home park owner can’t raise rent
A San Jose mobile home park with hundreds of spaces has failed to get city approval for a proposed rent increase. Officials with the San Jose Rent Stabilization Program have denied the Golden Wheel Mobile Home Park owner’s request to raise rents on low-income residents by $60 per month for at least 12 years. Under...
San Jose ‘responsible landlord’ initiative could return
San Jose residents want a neighborhood improvement initiative to restart after it sunsetted last June due to lack of funding. Community organizer Jaime Angulo created the Responsible Landlord Engagement Initiative (RLEI) in 2010 to help neighbors resolve issues they faced on their block — whether it was an unruly tenant, a group home where neighbors...
Feds expand lawsuit against corporate San Jose landlords
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....
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...
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...