Housing Complaints
We respond to complaints regarding hazardous conditions in rental properties, both residential and commercial. A complaint must be filed by the resident/tenant of the dwelling in order for Environmental Health to respond. The order in which complaints are processed is based on risk. First priority is given to those situations that involve imminent threats to public health and safety.
For housing complaints in the following cities, please contact the City code enforcement:
Environmental Health will respond to complaints in unincorporated areas of Placer County.
Filing a Complaint
When filing a complaint be sure to fill out the form completely. Please be as descriptive as possible in your complaint. Ensure the following items are included:
- Assessors Parcel Number (find the APN)
- Dwelling address
- Email address
- Name of tenant of record
- Phone number
- Proof of notification of Low Priority Items
Those items that must be repaired within 48 to 72 hours of notification to the property management/landlord:
- Lack of electricity
- Lack of heat
- Lack of potable (clean) water or hot water
- Sewage backup into dwelling or released onto the ground
Before filing a complaint, individuals must first notify the property management/landlord and attempt to resolve the issue. If a resolution has not been reached within 48 to 72 hours, a complaint may be filed.
Those items that should be addressed within 30 days of notification to the property management/landlord:
- Dampness
- Garbage accumulation
- Inadequate structural maintenance
- Severely dilapidated structures
- Vermin or pest infestations - Note: Environmental Health does not address bed bug issues
In order for Environmental Health to investigate, every effort must be made to work with the property management/landlord to resolve the problem. Written proof of notification to the property management/landlord must be submitted with the complaint and at least 30 days must have passed since the notification. Complaints submitted without proof of notification to property management/landlord will not be investigated.
Written notification to the property management/landlord should be submitted via a certified letter with a return receipt and must contain the following information:
- The condition which is making the dwelling unlivable
- The expected outcome to make the dwelling livable
- The timeline for repairs (30 days)
- Your intentions should repairs not be made within the timeline
Once the property management/landlord has been notified and the 30 days for repairs have passed without response, a complaint may be filed. Low priority complaints are processed in the order in which they are received.
Those items that will not be addressed by Environmental Health include:
- Bed bugs
- Landlord/Tenant or Tenant/Tenant disputes including eviction, non-payment of rent, breach of contract, withholding of rent, etc.
- Mold
- Noise
- Smells
- Unsightly appearance (weathered paint, worn carpets, holes in screens, etc.)
- Vacated dwellings – if the complainant has vacated or is expected to vacate within the next 30 days either by choice or eviction, except for High Priority Items, the complaint will not be investigated
Bed Bug Resources
- Bed Bug Flyer (PDF) from University of California, IPM Program
- Bed Bug Prevention Methods (PDF) from Virginia Tech
- Bed Bug Treatment Using Insecticides (PDF) from Virginia Tech
- Bed Bug Treatment, What You Should Expect (PDF) from Virginia Tech
- Bed Bugs - California Department of Public Health
- Bed Bugs are Back (PDF), A resource from New York State Integrated Pest Management Program
- How to Identify a Bed Bug Infestation (PDF) from Virginia Tech
- Non-Chemical Bed Bug Management (PDF) from Virginia Tech
- Using Heat to Kill Bed Bugs (PDF) by Virginia Tech
- What's Working for Bed Bug Control (PDF) from the National Center for Health Housing