Resources
Eviction Resources
NEW CHULA VISTA LAWS: Renters in Chula Vista have a new
rent ordinance that applies to them as of March 1, 2023. This summary, prepared
by Legal Aid Society of San Diego, explains some of the important changes that renters and landlords in Chula Vista need to be aware of.
Spanish version available here: https://housinghelpsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spanish-FAQ-City-of-Chula-Vista-Tenant-Protection-Ordinance-3.10.23.pdf
Tenant Power Toolkit: This resource can assist a tenant who needs to respond to an eviction lawsuit. The website will ask a series of questions, and, based on those responses, complete the court paperwork for a tenant. The tenant then needs to print the paperwork and file it with the San Diego County Downtown courthouse.
https://tenantpowertoolkit.
Self-Help Sample Letters: 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! Housinghelpsd.org is not affiliated with this website.
https://www.tenantstogether.org/resources/sample-letters
The California Courts Self-help Guide for Evictions: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-tenant This resource explains the formal eviction process required of most landlords.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego Eviction Defense: https://www.lassd.org/eviction-defense/ This resource has self-help materials for defending against an eviction and information on how to contact an attorney for help.
Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Tenant Protections: https://tenantprotections.org/ State and local laws have tenant protections against both unfair evictions and high rent increases but they only apply to certain types of situations. This website uses a series of questions to help a tenant find out if they are covered by the just cause and rent increase limitation laws applicable in a particular area.
Rental Assistance
Interfaith Services: temporary rental assistance for those who have lost employment, apply here
https://www.interfaithservices.org/support
City Heights CDC’s CEPS Program: The Coordinated Eviction Prevention System (CEPS) Program is designed to assist eligible low-income households in the County of San Diego that are at-risk of being evicted. As part of the program, some of the supportive services that may be offered range from case management to financial support. Program Qualifications: Must reside in San Diego County and be a low-income household that is
at-risk of being evicted. Apply here:
San Diego Housing Commission’s Housing First:
This resource pays $500 per month for up to 24 months for qualifying households in the City of San Diego and assist with housing-related expenses such as security deposits, past-due rent, utilities, application fees or furniture, depending on the family’s need. This resource is also available to undocumented renters. Please call 2-1-1 if you are interested in applying.
https://www.sdhc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/Housing-Instability-Prevention-Program_Flyer.pdf
CalWORKs Homeless Assistance: This resource provides temporary and permanent homeless assistance. In order to qualify you must be an active CalWORKs recipient or be eligible to qualify. Call 866-262-9881
Benefits Assistance
Cal Fresh: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/calfresh This resource assists people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table.
Covered California: https://www.coveredca.com/ This resource helps people with low-income qualify for medical insurance based on their income.
CalWORKs: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calworks This resource gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families.
Security Deposits
The California Courts Self-help Guide for Security Deposits: https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-eviction-security-deposits.htm
This resource explains the process for receiving a refund of a security deposit and includes a helpful letter writing tool.
Utilities Assistance
San Diego Gas & Electric’s CARE Program: https://www.sdge.com/residential/pay-bill/get-payment-bill-assistance This resource is available to help you with your energy bills.
Cox Communication’s Affordable Connectivity Program: https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/affordable-connectivity-program.html This resource helps many low-income households with discounts for internet service and equipment costs.
Federal Communications Commission Affordable Connectivity Program: https://www.fcc.gov/acp This resource helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
