Modesto Landlord-Tenant Rules
Modesto adds local rules on top of California landlord-tenant law. Here is what is different, with the city code or agency page behind each rule.
| Rental registration & inspection | Under the Rental Housing Safety Program, owners of residential rental units in Modesto must register their units with the City (no registration fee) and certify that the units meet housing safety standards. Each owner must name a local contact representative who can be personally served with City notices. Each year the City audits up to 10% of rental units, choosing units at random on multi-unit properties, and mails the owner at least two weeks' notice before an inspection. The audit inspection fee is $100 per unit inspected. Owners who do not respond may be listed as noncompliant and fined. Proof that cited problems were fixed (photos or other evidence) can be sent within 30 days of the inspection at no charge. Program line 209-577-5252, RHSP@modestogov.com. |
|---|---|
| Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line | Tenants can report unsafe rental conditions to the City through GoModesto! (online requests). The Rental Housing Safety Program office is at 1010 10th Street, Suite 3100 (209-577-5252). Modesto Police Department Code Enforcement takes reports of property code violations at 209-577-5250, codeenforcement@modestopd.com, or through the City's online Report a Violation form. Code Enforcement contact: https://www.modestogov.com/666/Code-Enforcement Source: Official source |
Eviction cases in Modesto are heard in: Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus - Turlock Division (Small Claims & Unlawful Detainers), 300 Starr Ave., Turlock, CA 95380, (209) 530-3100
Local agencies
- City of Modesto Rental Housing Safety Program (Building Safety Division) — Registers rental units, runs annual audit inspections and takes rental safety concerns. 209-577-5252, RHSP@modestogov.com.
- Modesto Police Department Code Enforcement — Enforces the City's property and land-use codes; takes violation reports. 209-577-5250.
- Project Sentinel (fair housing, as listed by the City) — Housing discrimination help for Modesto renters. 209-236-1577.
Frequently asked questions
What landlord-tenant rules does Modesto add on top of California law?
← All California landlord-tenant rules
Last verified against official sources: October 28, 2026.
How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.