Tenant Resources & Know your rights

LEGAL & ORGANIZING RESOURCES

Filing a legal answer to your eviction is the first step in fighting your eviction, but not the last!

Find low cost legal help in your county here: https://www.lawhelpca.org/legal-directory

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

The following information is provided by The L.A. Tenants Union; Tenant Handbook, Volume II 2019. We recommend you visit the link to download and read the full copy of your Tenant Rights (available in English and Spanish.)

First, during this time of global pandemic, do not move out of your home unless ordered by a court. Your landlord cannot harass you or pressure you to leave, even if you have not paid rent in the period after March, 2020.

For a detailed account of tenant rights during the pandemic, including information about unpaid rent debt and how to apply for rental assistance, visit the ACCE COVID Eviction Protection Site.

Under California law, ALL Tenants have the right to:

  • Live in a unit that is both safe and sanitary.
  • Receive a 24-hour advance written notice before the landlord enters your home.
  • Submit a written list of repairs that you need in your home.
  • File a complaint If the landlord does not repair the unit in a timely manner.
  • Talk to a lawyer or housing advocate at the first sign of trouble.
  • If you receive any of the following documents, respond immediately. If you DO NOT respond, you could lose your home or enter a court process.
    • 3 Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
    • 3 Day Notice to Perform or Quit
    • 30 Day Notice
    • 60 Day Notice
    • Summons (Summons-Unlawful Detainer-Eviction)
    • Complaint-Unlawful Detainer
  • When the Tenant does not comply and Landlord files and serves lawsuit for eviction, called an Unlawful Detainer; Tenant has 5 days to file a response after receiving court papers. (That is why we built this tool!)
    • If Tenant does not file a response, Landlord files writ of possession and Sheriff posts 5-Day notice to vacate.
    • If Tenant does file a response, a court date is set and there is a trial.
  • Tenants have no legal obligation to sign a voluntary vacate agreement or to accept cash-for-keys under any circumstances.
  • For COVID-specific tenant rights, and more resources, please visit the Stay Housed LA site if you are in Los Angeles or the ACCE site anywhere within the state of California.