San Jose Mun. Code Chapter 17.23 § 17.23.060
Limit on electronic payment (San Jose Apartment Rent Ordinance and Tenant Protection Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any Landlord to demand or require either cash or an electronic funds transfer or online internet payment as the exclusive method of payment of Rent or Security Deposits, except that cash may be required for a limited period of time under the conditions allowed by California Civil Code Section 1947.3(a)(2), as amended.
San Jose Municipal Code § 17.23.060 prohibits landlords from mandating that rent or security deposits be paid solely in cash or solely through electronic means such as online transfers. Tenants must be offered at least one alternative payment method rather than being locked into a single exclusive channel. The only recognized exception allows cash to be temporarily required under the narrow conditions set out in California Civil Code Section 1947.3(a)(2).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 17.23.060, compliant operators in San Jose generally offer tenants more than one acceptable method for paying rent and security deposits, ensuring that neither cash nor electronic payment stands as the sole option. Landlords who wish to temporarily require cash should familiarize themselves with the specific conditions California Civil Code Section 1947.3(a)(2) imposes before doing so. Maintaining a written payment policy that reflects this flexibility can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 17.23.060 of the San Jose Municipal Code gives tenants the right not to be forced into a single exclusive payment method—whether cash-only or electronic-only—for rent or security deposits. If a landlord demands only one method outside the narrow cash exception permitted by state law, a tenant may have grounds to raise that demand as a violation, including by filing a complaint with the City of San Jose's code enforcement or housing authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in the San Jose area can help renters understand how this provision applies to their circumstances and what general enforcement paths are available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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