Community Housing:  Legal Information And Mediation

Books

  • The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities by Attorneys David Brown and Ralph Warner, Nolo Press.
  • The California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions by Attorney David Brown, Nolo Press.
  • California Tenant's Rights by Attorney Janet Portman and Attorney David Brown, Nolo Press
  • Landlording by Leigh Robinson.

Legal Information and Mediation

These agencies provide general information about landlord/tenant law, mediation, and referrals. There is also a 24-hour crisis line for emergencies. (408) 279-8228.

  • Menlo Park: City of Menlo Park Mediation, 858-3360.
  • Palo Alto and Stanford: Peninsula Area Information & Referral Service/Palo Alto Mediation Program, 856-4062.
  • Mountain View: Mountain View Mediation, 960-0495.
  • Redwood City (San Mateo County): Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, 571-0367.
  • Sunnyvale, Cupertino and Santa Clara: Project Sentinel, (408) 720-9888.

Small Claims Court

Links to Related Sites

  • California Civil Code. Text of the California Civil Code, sections 1940-1954.1. Habitability and repairs are covered under sections 1941 and 1942; lease terms and notices of termination are covered in sections 1944-1946; security deposits are covered in section 1950.5; abandonment is covered under section 1951.3; a landlord's right to enter the property is section 1954.
  • Fair Housing: It's Your Right. Information about the Fair Housing Act.
  • Nolo Press. Self help law books and software, including three excellent books on landlord-tenant law.