San Jose Mun. Code Chapter 17.23 § 17.23.140
Landlord (San Jose Apartment Rent Ordinance and Tenant Protection Ordinance)
Operative Text
"Landlord" means an owner, lessor, or sublessor who receives or is entitled to receive Rent for the use and occupancy of any Rental Unit or portion thereof, and the agent, representative, or successor of any of the foregoing. For purposes of this Chapter, Landlord does not include an individual who is a member of the Tenant Household whose primary residence is the same Rental Unit as the Tenant.
Section 17.23.140 of the San Jose Municipal Code defines who qualifies as a 'Landlord' under the city's rent regulations. The term covers owners, lessors, sublessors, and their agents, representatives, or successors who receive or are entitled to receive rent for a rental unit. Notably, the definition carves out an exception: a person who is both a member of the tenant's household and shares that same rental unit as their primary residence is not considered a Landlord under Chapter 17.23, even if they technically receive some form of rent.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 17.23.140, property owners, lessors, sublessors, and anyone acting as their agent, representative, or successor are all treated as 'Landlords' subject to the obligations of San Jose's rent regulations. Operators who manage or collect rent on behalf of an owner should be aware that this broad definition extends the chapter's requirements to them as well. Compliant operators generally ensure that anyone acting in a landlord capacity on their behalf understands the responsibilities that come with that role under Chapter 17.23.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 17.23.140 establishes that the protections and obligations of San Jose's Chapter 17.23 apply to a wide range of parties on the landlord side, including agents and successors — not just the direct property owner. If a tenant believes a party collecting rent or managing their unit is subject to the chapter's rules, this definition can be relevant to understanding whether those protections apply. Tenants with questions about how this definition affects their situation may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review resources provided by the City of San Jose.
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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