Who pays the Housing Code Compliance fee?

The Housing Ordinance approved on October 12, 1993 was revised on December 10, 2008. As a result, all recorded owners of rental property in the unincorporated area are to pay a fee for each fiscal year (July-June). The fee is $12.00 per rental unit.

Why are rental property owners receiving a bill for this fee?

Under the County’s housing ordinance, a regulatory fee is required to finance the County’s state-mandated housing program. Sacramento County Code 16.20.900 requires that this fee be paid in order for properties to be occupied by tenants.

What services does this bill cover?

It pays for the Housing Code Compliance, Rental Registration and Inspection Program to insure health and safety in residential properties within the unincorporated area of the County.

Who is responsible for the bill if I just bought or sold this rental property?

The bill is the responsibility of the owner of record as of January 1 of each year.

What if I don’t collect rent from this property?

The Rental Housing Code Compliance Fee applies to all property owners engaged in the business of renting residential dwelling units for monetary compensation, whether or not the units have paying tenants. If the property this bill refers to is not a rental property, please complete and sign the Notice Regarding the RCHH fee form on the back of the form and return it with your utility bill payment. If you do not send in a correction, the bill will continue to be outstanding and could result in penalties and other collection efforts.

Is this amount due upon billing?

The ordinance states the Rental Housing Code Compliance Fee shall be due on January 1, of each year. There is a delinquent date indicated on the bill that represents the last possible day that payment can be received without incurring a late charge.

What happens if my payment is late?

Charges unpaid at the due date become delinquent, and shall incur a penalty charge of 25%. Any unpaid amounts may be transferred to the Department of Revenue Recovery for other collection efforts.

Will the amount due change each year?

Because the annual fee covers costs of a state-mandated housing program, the fee can be adjusted each year by resolution of the County Board of Supervisors after a duly noticed public hearing.

What if I’m being billed for a wrong number of rental units?

Apartments or properties such as duplexes that have multiple units may have one or more units that are not being used for monetary compensation. If you are being billed for the wrong number of rental units, please use the reverse side of this form to make the necessary corrections to rental units and return it with your utility bill payment.