Habitability and Maintenance Petitions (Petition B)

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Tenants can file this petition to request a rent decrease for two reasons:

The landlord fails to maintain a livable, healthy and safe premise
- Reasons to file may include:
  - Water/hot water, heat, and electrical/gas are not in good working order
  - Plumbing facilities, including cold and hot water, are not in good working order (hot water must be at least 120 degrees)
  - Roof, windows, walls and/or doors are not water/weather proof
  - Building and property are not clean and free from vermin and/or bug infestations
  - For more information on habitability, view the State of California's Tenant Resource Guide
There is a reduction in housing services and/or maintenance for the tenant's unit and/or at their property
- Reasons to file may include:
  - New charges for services, like a parking spot or utilities, that were once included in the rent amount but are now being charged in addition to the rent
  - Amenities closure or removal (for instance, a pool being closed or filled in)

General information on the petition process as well as necessary forms and workbooks are provided below. Interested tenants should contact division staff at MVRent@mountainview.gov or 650-903-6136 for help.

The Habitability and Maintenance Petition Process

Tenants notify their landlord (in writing) of the issue and provide a reasonable amount of time for the landlord to respond
If the landlord does not correct the issue within a reasonable timeframe, tenants complete and submit a petition form, workbook and documentation to the Rent Stabilization Division.
They also provide (serve) the completed petition form and workbook to their landlord.
- Landlords are allowed (but not required) to fully participate in the hearing process, respond to the petition, appear and speak at the hearing and appeal a petition decision.
A hearing officer is assigned to review the petition and a hearing is held.
- At the hearing, both the landlord and tenants provide information about the issue and answer any questions from the hearing officer.
The hearing officer then issues a formal written decision with legal findings and details on the rent adjustment including by how much overpaid rent is owed back to the tenant (if any), the current rent going forward and how and when the landlord can raise the rent (if allowed).
Both parties (landlords and tenants) can appeal the hearing decision to the Rental Housing Committee.

Petition Forms and Instructions

Habitability and Maintenance Petition Form (Fillable PDF - updated 2024.09.11)
- Habitability Petition Workbook (Excel - updated 2023.12.20)

Additional Information

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