Many people have been devastated by the housing crisis and economic crisis caused by Covid-19. HomeOwnership OC is here to provide no cost Rental Counseling to assist you in understanding the required deposits, credit report and alternative to credit report requirements, and a landlord’s expectation for renting. In addition, we can provide you with landlord tenant counseling to help come up with a rental repayment plan, apply for rental assistance and resolve your housing issues. Your housing coach will work side-by- side with you to create a detailed action plan which includes:
Assessing your housing and financial situation
Create a personalized budget
Set realistic financial goals
Improve your credit score and manage debts
Connect you with resources to assist with utility bill and other rental support
Prevent and avoid eviction
Know your fair housing rights
Resolve landlord/tenant disputes
Find affordable housing
Considering Home Buying options for the future
California Rental & Eviction FAQ
Are there any special protections for California renters during the COVID-19 emergency?
Under California’s landmark legislation, the eviction moratorium has been extended through June 30, 2021, protecting millions of tenants from eviction for non-payment of rent due to economic hardship.
What do the protections mean for renters in California?
The protections pause evictions through California's state of emergency: Your landlord can still give you a notice to quit. Tenants must pay at least 25% of the rent due to avoid eviction. Tenants are still responsible for paying the unpaid amounts to landlords, but the unpaid amounts cannot be the basis for an eviction.
What steps do I take if I can’t pay my full rent?
California renters still need to pay rent during the emergency. If you can’t pay your full amount, tenants must provide a declaration of impact COVID-19 has impacted your household, within 15 Days of receiving a “Non-Payment of Rent Eviction Notice” from their landlord. For proof of documentation, tenants are recommended to send the declaration by certified mail. Make “timely partial payments” as close to the amount due as possible. Landlords cannot charge late or collection fees.
Can my utilities be shut off during COVID-19 in California?
California renters' utilities cannot be shut off due to a lack of payment during the state of emergency.
My landlord gave me a notice to "pay or quit" my rental home in California. What should I do?
You do not have to leave your home. Landlords cannot legally physically remove you, touch your personal property, change the locks, or cut power or water. When a landlord wants to evict a tenant, the landlord must go through the courts eviction process. The tenant can remain in the home until the end of the court eviction process and final court ordered decision.
What if the landlord has just told me, face-to-face or over the phone, that I need to leave my home in California?
Verbal conversation doesn't count as an "eviction notice". To be legal, the notice must be written down and given to you in the correct way.
Can my landlord increase my rent during COVID?
No, this is illegal during the state of emergency for new or existing tenants. This includes county-level, state-of-emergency related wildfires or floods.
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in California?
Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering an occupied unit. Landlords are not required to get permission to enter during emergency or natural disaster.
Do I have to do anything after I get an eviction summons and Complaint in California?
In California, you are required to respond to the eviction lawsuit, if you want to avoid the eviction.
Can I settle my eviction case without going to court in California?
You can come to an agreement, but you should still go to court to make sure your case is closed. You can work with your landlord to work out an agreement before the date of the court hearing. This might be a payment plan or other agreement on what needs to happen for you to stay in your home.
For additional information and individual Rental Counseling, start by filling out our online intake form or call us at 714.204.2314 to set up an appointment today!
