Sample Letters

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Having a written record is the best way to assert your rights and protect yourself against landlord retaliation. Tailor these letters to your situation. These letters have been developed by staff with years of experience in tenants' rights, but they DO NOT substitute for legal advice! See our directory for local resources.

 

Evictions

Eviction Notice Invalid - Not Served With Proper Notice Time

Eviction Notice Invalid - Served by Text, Email or Other Electronic Message

Eviction Notice Invalid -  By Phone or Verbal

 

3-Day Eviction Notice - Dispute

3-Day "Pay or Quit" or "Cure or Quit" Notice - Document Compliance to Stop Eviction

3-Day "Pay or Quit" Notice Invalid Renter Ledger

Eviction Reason Invalid - Pending Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Application

  • If you receive an eviction notice for not paying rent and you have a pending ERAP application OR
  • If you do not receive an eviction notice, but you want to inform your landlord that you have a pending ERAP application

Eviction Reason Invalid - Retaliatory for COVID-19 Rent Debt

Eviction Reason Invalid - No Just Cause Reason for Eviction

Eviction Reason Invalid - Property Sale

Eviction Reason Invalid - Substantial Repairs

Landlord No Fault Eviction Invalid - Relocation Assistance in 15 Days

Public Letter to Bank to Fight Eviction

 

Rent Increases

Rent Increase Notice Invalid

Rent Increase Percent Invalid - Against 5% + CPI Statewide Rent Cap (AB 1482)

Rent Increase Percent Invalid - Against 10% Price Gouging Limit

  • If your rent increases above 10% AND your county or California is in a state of emergency.
    • Contact your local county office of emergency services to see if there is currently a state of emergency.
  • Even a 10% rent increase may be invalid if you are protected under AB 1482, see template letter above

 

Late Fee Invalid

Returned Check Fee Invalid

Demand Rent Receipt

 

Housing Conditions and Repairs (Habitability)

Repair Request

Leaving Before Lease is Up Due to Unhabitable Conditions

Relocation Benefits 

 

Harassment, Retaliation, and Reasonable Accommodations 

Right to Quiet Enjoyment

Retaliation

Harassment

Threats Based on Immigration or Citizenship Status

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations for a Disability

 

Improper Entry and Lock Out

Lock Out

Improper Entry by Landlord

 

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)

 

Lease

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 

Breaking a Lease Due to Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Sexual Assault, Stalking Or Dependent Adult Abuse 

Request a Copy of Lease

 

 

 

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