KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: OTHER PROTECTIONS
What are my rights under fair housing laws?
English
Spanish
What are my housing rights as a survivor of domestic abuse or violence?
English
Spanish
Are you a survivor of domestic abuse or violence?
If so, please refer to these materials on housing-related protections for survivors.
A. Helping Survivors Move Safely Toolkit
B. Ending Your Lease Early Because of Abuse or a Crime
C. Template Letter: Survivors or Their Household Members Ending a Lease Early
D. Template Letter: Qualified Third Party Early Lease Termination Verification.
Third parties like some counselors, medical professionals, and therapists can verify that the tenant or their household member is a survivor to enable them to end their lease early.
Can my landlord charge me late fees?
It is illegal for your landlord to charge late fees for COVID-19 related debt under California Civil Code 1942.9(a) (1), which covers late fees for rent due between March 1, 2020 and September 31, 2021, if you submitted a declaration showing COVID-19 related financial hardship. Additionally, it is illegal for your landlord to charge you late fees for rent that became due during the Alameda County Eviction Moratorium, which was in place from March 24, 2020 through April 29, 2023, regardless of if you submitted proof of COVID-19 related financial hardship.
Additionally, fixed late fees in residential leases may be invalid, depending on the circumstances. You can use the templates below to dispute late fee if they are unreasonably high compared to the harm suffered by the landlord due to the late payment.