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These letters have been developed by staff with years of experience in tenants' rights. Having a written record is the best way to assert your rights and protect yourself against landlord retaliation. Tailor these letters to your personal case. These DO NOT substitute for legal advice! See our directory for local resources.
Most Commonly Used Sample Letters
California SB 91 Declaration of COVID-19-Related Financial Distress - Eviction Notice COVID-19 Rent Debt (read more here)
- If you receive an eviction notice because you did not pay your rent in full due to impacts related to COVID-19 OR
- If you did not receive an eviction notice, but you want to inform your landlord that you will not be able to pay the rent in full due to impacts related to COVID-19
Verification of Tenancy For Tenants WITHOUT Written Lease Agreements
- If you would like to apply for rental assistance funds, and need to provide documentation of where you live, but do not have any written agreement with the landlord or property management
Rent Increase Not In Compliance with Ban On Price Gouging
- If your rent increases above 10%
- NOTE: this letter is only effective when a county is in a state of emergency or affected by a county in state of emergency. Read more here
- If your rent was increased AND you are protected under AB1842 to request the rent be reduced
Evictions
Eviction Notice/Termination Invalid - Federal CDC COVID-19 Protections
Eviction Notice/Termination Invalid - California SB91 COVID-19 Protections
Eviction Notice/Termination Invalid - Retaliatory Eviction for COVID-19 Rent Debt
Eviction Notice/Termination Invalid - Not Served With Proper Notice Time
Eviction Notice/Termination Invalid - Served by Text, Email or Other Electronic Message
Eviction Notice/Termination Invalid - By Phone or Verbal
Dispute a 3-day Eviction Notice
Documenting Compliance with a 3-Day "Pay or Quit" or "Cure or Quit" Notice
Eviction Due to Substantial Repairs
Improper Entry/ Lock Out
Harassment/ Retaliation
Threats Based on Immigration or Citizenship Status
- En espanol: Amenazas por su estatus migratorio
Security Deposits
Notice of Intent to Vacate and Pre-Move-Out Inspection
Contesting Security Deposit Deductions
Demand Return of Security Deposit
Create A Customized Letter Online to Demand Return of Security Deposit! (English only)
Rent/ Fees
Improper Notice of Rent Increase
Rent Rollback for AB1482 January 1, 2020 (read more here)
Habitability
Leaving Before Lease is Up Due to Unhabitable Conditions
Foreclosure
Public Letter to Bank to Fight Eviction
Other
Requesting Reasonable Accommodations for a Disability
Relocation Payment for AB1482 No Fault Eviction