Renter's Issues

Housing Disputes

The California Department of Consumer Affairs puts out a comprehensive guide about residential tenants' and landlords' rights and responsibilities. See also the Davis Wiki's page on Tenant Rights.

Communication and mediation should always be your first course of action in any business dispute. This is looked upon very favorably by courts and other agencies... it indicates your maturity and ability to come to peaceful resolution on your own. The City of Davis does not provide mediation services, though you could try the low cost mediation services from the Yolo Conflict Resolution Center (YCRC) via their website at http://yolocrc.org/ or call (530) 564-2324. The Better Business Bureau may also be able to help mediate business disputes before problems escalate, and landlords may be sufficiently concerned about their BBB rating to address issues in this arena. For tips on general conflict resolution methods, see the Conflicts Resolution Tips under the Wellness section.

If you have attempted resolution and still wish to lodge a formal complaint, contact our local Fair Housing Commission [530/757-5623] and the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing [800/233-3212]. Even minor complaints should be documented - while justice may not be immediate, future tenants with problems can point to your complaints as a history of misconduct. Keep in mind that this is essentially legal action, and complainants should be prepared to follow through with the case should it be referred to the District Attorney's office.

The Women's Center advocates for women's rights and may be able to provide specific assistance to those who believe themselves to have suffered gender discrimination. It is illegal for a landlord or property manager to treat a woman less favorably in the rental or sale of housing, or to require that she submit to sexual comments or actions in order to maintain her residency.(6) (Gov. Code, § 12955(d); Brown v. Smith (1997) 55 Cal.App.4th 767.) A landlord, or property manager maybe liable for sexually harassing a tenant. (Civ. Code, §§ 51.9 and 52; see also,Brown v. Smith, supra.).

Renewing Your Lease

Some time before the end of your rental period, you will be asked to sign a lease renewal. You also may choose not to sign a renewal, or declare that you do not intend to renew your lease. Landlords prefer to get a signed renewal as early as possible, because it reduces their chances of having an unfilled apartment and reduces their marketing time and expenses. Some landlords will put pressure on residents to renew by stating that their apartment will go on the market for other potential residents if they do not commit to an early lease renewal (often as early as January or February). In reality, unless a tenant has been problematic, most landlords would probably prefer if the current resident stays in their apartment rather than finding a new resident, since that minimizes the landlord's marketing, and apartment turnover costs. Residents benefit from committing to a lease renewal as late as possible, because it leaves them more time to find a new apartment if their old one proves not to meet their needs during their lease term (issues that affect your decision to stay may come up throughout the year). Residents also benefit from renewing later in the rental period because once they have signed a lease for the next year, the landlord has much less incentive to be responsive, since the residents are then committed to staying in the same apartment. It is to your advantage not to commit to renewing your lease until you are absolutely sure that you want to stay in your current apartment.

Getting back your security deposit

For renters, getting back your security deposit is a big issue. See Moving Day page for tips on ensuring you get your security deposit returned.

- Adapted from the Davis Wiki Rental Housing Guide