Accommodation in San Jose

Finding suitable accommodation in San Jose is one of the biggest challenges facing expats moving to the city. Those headhunted by tech companies in Silicon Valley are often lucky enough to have their employer provide accommodation or assist them in finding a suitable home. But for many others, finding the perfect home in San Jose can be a bit of a struggle.

San Jose is one of the largest cities in California, with plenty of accommodation options of all kinds available for new arrivals. That said, with the influx of high-income earners relocating to the city due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, property prices and rental rates in San Jose continue to rise annually.

Areas and suburbs in San Jose

San Jose offers a diverse range of areas and suburbs, catering to a wide variety of needs. 

Newcomers moving to San Jose with children will love neighbourhoods such as West San Jose, Willow Glen, and Naglee Park, all home to tree-lined streets, spacious homes and beautiful parks. 

Meanwhile, young and single professionals who want to be close to work and have easy access to public transport should look no further than Downtown San Jose. There are many types of accommodation in Downtown San Jose, and new arrivals can also enjoy the myriad lifestyle activities on offer. 

Those looking to enjoy the luxury side of life would do well in Santana Row, which offers exciting Mediterranean-style shopping and entertainment. Other considerations include Japantown, the Alameda, North San Jose and Little Saigon. 

Read Areas and Suburbs in San Jose for more on the city's neighbourhoods. 

Types of accommodation in San Jose

Whether you're on the hunt for a luxury apartment in the city centre, a large family home in a leafy suburban area, or a skyscraper condo unit, San Jose has plenty to choose from.

San Jose has a mix of furnished and unfurnished accommodation. Furnished accommodation often includes everything from appliances to bedding and curtains. These properties tend to be pricier and usually run on shorter leases. However, unfurnished accommodation rarely means an utterly bare apartment or house, and would still come with large appliances such as ovens, washing machines and fridges. Unfurnished leases usually run for a year or longer.

Finding accommodation in San Jose

Most new arrivals initially rent accommodation in San Jose before deciding whether to remain in the city long term. If you're looking to buy property in San Jose, be aware that demand is high, and suitable properties tend to sell quickly. It's best to have proof of funds before searching for accommodation.

Whether you plan on renting or buying property in San Jose, you can get a head start by trawling the internet, even before arriving in the city. There are many useful real estate sites, classifieds, and online versions of local publications that feature property sections. 

Those looking to find their ideal home fast should enlist the services of a real estate agent. These professionals can narrow down accommodation options according to an individual's specifications, provide photos and answer any questions one may have about a property and the rental or buying processes.

Agent fees are generally paid by the person selling the property or the landlord. We do recommend checking with the estate agent before using their services, simply to avoid any hidden fees at the end.

Always view accommodation in person before committing to anything. While in the city, you may also stumble on some great housing options simply by exploring a neighbourhood you like on foot and taking note of any sale or rental signs.

Useful links

• Zillow San Jose
• Apartments.com

Renting accommodation in San Jose

The demand for property in San Jose is high, and since many of the city's residents are high-earning professionals working in Silicon Valley, landlords are in a position to charge high prices for accommodation.

Making the application

As in most of the US, to secure a rental property, potential tenants must obtain an application form from the landlord. Subsequently, the landlord will contact their chosen tenant, and together, they will sign a standard lease agreement. 

Having a US bank account will act in your favour when applying to rent accommodation in San Jose, especially for foreigners without a social security number.

Leases, costs and fees

Most rental contracts are valid for a year, at which point there may be an option to renew. 

Tenants will be required to put down an amount equivalent to a month's rent as a security deposit. This deposit is refundable upon termination of the tenancy agreement. If any damage has been done to the property, the cost of repairs is deducted from the deposit.

See Accommodation in the USA for more on the national rental processes.

Utilities in San Jose

Expats renting accommodation in San Jose should consult the conditions of their lease to find out the details on utilities. The landlord may assume responsibility for utilities such as gas, electricity and water, but tenants will usually be expected to pay for extras such as telephone services, internet, and cable TV packages.

Electricity and gas

New arrivals moving to San Jose would do well to schedule their connection a week or two before moving into their new home. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) oversees the electricity supply in San Jose, and tenants can begin their electricity and gas service by completing a form on their website. This can be done up to 60 days before moving into a new home. 

PG&E combines residents' electricity and gas bills. Payments can be automated and recurring via debit card, credit card or bank account. 

Water

Water in San Jose is supplied by the San Jose Municipal Water System (Muni Water), San Jose Water Company and Oak Water Company. Your supplier will be assigned depending on your area in San Jose.

The options for setting up a new service will depend on the water retailer supplying your area. The most common options include setting up water service via phone, email or in person. Similar to electricity and gas connections, newcomers must provide proof of identity and address along with the service start date. Payments can be made online, in person, or through the mail. 

Recycling and bins

The City of San Jose's municipal website offers information on rubbish collection days across the city. The city also offers a free junk pickup service that allows residents to register for a free pickup of large items such as mattresses, sofas, tyres, and refrigerators. There are several collection companies servicing San Jose, so collection processes will differ throughout the city. 

For new arrivals living in apartment buildings and complexes, the city will provide green bins for non-recyclable waste and white or blue bins for recyclables. 

Useful links

• PG&E
• City of San Jose – Utilities