Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Whether you're trying to keep the home you have, find a new one, or get back into housing, I'm really glad you're here. Housing worries can keep you up at night. Let's take it one step at a time.
Here is the easy first step: if you might lose your home soon, or you already have, dial 211 and tell them what's going on. Then use this guide to see your options as a renter in California.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a unit or a spot in any program.
- This guide shares general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, talk with a legal aid office.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Housing help usually falls into three buckets. Knowing which one you need makes every phone call faster.
- Keeping your home. Help with late rent or utilities, talking with your landlord, and where to get renter help.
- Finding a home you can afford. Affordable apartments, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing.
- Getting back into housing. If you've lost your home, Coordinated Entry and Rapid Rehousing help people move back inside.
How to start, step by step
- Pick your bucket: keeping, finding, or getting back into a home.
- Dial 211. Say your county and what you need, like "I'm behind on rent."
- Ask for rent help programs, housing counseling and legal aid near you.
- Write down every name, number and date. Keep copies of your lease and notices.
- If you got any court papers, call legal aid right away. Don't wait.
- Follow up when they tell you to. Programs move faster when you call back.
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in [county]. I'm behind on rent by [amount] and I'm worried about losing my home."
"Are there rent help programs open right now?"
"Can you connect me with no cost legal help for renters?"
"What papers should I have ready?"
I'm behind on rent. What should I do?
First, take a breath. Being behind is scary, but acting early gives you the most choices.
- Talk with your landlord early and honestly. Ask if you can set up a payment plan. Get any deal in writing.
- Call 211 about rent help. Programs open and close, so ask what's available in your county right now.
- Call a HUD approved housing counselor at 800.569.4287. HUD says these counselors can help with renting, avoiding eviction and budgeting, at no cost or low cost.
- Read every notice carefully and keep it. Take a photo of it too.
Say you got a notice to pay rent
Say you get a notice to pay rent or move. Notice timelines can be very short. The California Courts self help site explains the notice types and how to count the days.
Read the notice right away, then call legal aid and dial 211 to ask about rent help. It's not the end of the road, but it is time to act fast.
This is an example, not legal advice. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Check the official page for the details. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-landlord/notice-types
Get it in writing
Any payment plan or promise from your landlord, ask for it in a text, email or letter. It protects you and them!
How do security deposits work in California?
Questions about deposits, how much a landlord can ask for, or when you should get it back? Check the official page below.
The California Attorney General explains deposits in plain words.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/Know-Your-Rights-Security-Deposits-English.pdf
Protect your deposit when you move out
How do I find a place I can afford?
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). Vouchers help pay rent to a private landlord. They're run by local public housing agencies, and many have waiting lists. HUD keeps a contact list of local public housing agencies. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
- Public housing. Also run by local public housing agencies. Ask about it when you call.
- Affordable apartments. The California Department of Housing and Community Development funds affordable housing and homelessness programs across the state. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hcd.ca.gov/
- Get on more than one list. Waiting lists are long. Signing up for several gives you more chances.
Say you're on a voucher waiting list in San Jose
Say you applied for a voucher months ago. You could call the housing agency to make sure your address and phone are current, so you don't miss a letter.
While you wait, you could call the Santa Clara County Here4You Hotline at 408.385.2400, which directs people who need rent help to prevention services, or a HUD counselor at 800.569.4287.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
I already lost my home. How do I get back in?
- Coordinated Entry. In most California counties, you talk with a trained worker once, and they work to match you with the housing programs that fit. Your county's number is in the list later in this guide.
- Rapid Rehousing. HUD describes it as permanent housing with short term rental help (up to 3 months) or medium term help (4 to 24 months), plus support services. HUD does not require a disability to qualify, but each program has its own rules. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-program-components/permanent-housing/rapid-re-housing/
- Need a bed tonight? See Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight.
Getting back into a home is a process, not a single phone call. Keep going. Every call gets you a little closer.
From the Bunklow team
What if I'm treated unfairly?
HUD says that if you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint. File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
For help as a renter, the California Attorney General has plain language facts at https://oag.ca.gov/tenants and LawHelpCA can help you find legal aid: https://www.lawhelpca.org/
Keep a housing folder
Questions people ask a lot
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off my utilities?
The California Attorney General's tenant page covers lockouts. For your own situation, call your local legal aid office right away. Their numbers are in the county list.
How long is the wait for Section 8?
It depends on the housing agency, and many have long waits. Ask them directly and keep your contact info updated.
Is rent help available right now?
Programs open and close. Dial 211 and ask what's open in your county today.
Do I need a lawyer to go to court?
You don't have to have one, but no cost legal aid can help a lot if you qualify. Call as soon as you get court papers.
How fast should I get my deposit back?
Check the California Attorney General's deposit page for the details, or ask legal aid.
What does a housing counselor do?
HUD says they help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting. Call 800.569.4287.
I'm happy to help however I can
Housing stuff can be confusing. You don't have to figure it all out today. Make one call, write it down, and take the next step tomorrow. You've got this!
Here are housing helpers near you, including Coordinated Entry, legal aid and rent help lines. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD Approved Housing Counseling
What it offers Low or no cost counselors who can help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 to find a counselor near you.
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 16, 2026
HUD Fair Housing Complaints
What it offers If you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint with HUD.
How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
California
Here are some places to start.
California Department of Housing and Community Development
What it offers The state housing agency. It funds affordable housing and homelessness programs across California.
How to reach Call 800.952.8356. Learn more at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/
Source https://www.hcd.ca.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 California
What it offers A at no cost, private service that connects people with housing, food, health care and other help across California. Search by your location on the website.
How to reach Dial 211. Search at https://www.211ca.org/
Source https://www.211ca.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
California Attorney General: Tenant Rights
What it offers Plain language facts about California renter protections, including security deposits, rent increase limits, just cause eviction, repairs and lockouts.
How to reach Read at https://oag.ca.gov/tenants
Source https://oag.ca.gov/tenants
Last checked October 16, 2026
California Courts Self Help: Eviction
What it offers If you get eviction court papers, you have a short deadline to respond. This guide explains each step.
How to reach Read at https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-tenant
Source https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-tenant
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Los Angeles County
Here are some places to start.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
What it offers Help finding shelter, housing and homeless services in Los Angeles County.
How to reach Information line: 213.233.4798, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Get help at https://www.lahsa.org/get-help
Source https://www.lahsa.org/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Stay Housed LA
What it offers No cost help for Los Angeles County tenants facing eviction, including legal help and tenant workshops.
How to reach Hotline: 888.694.0040.
Source https://www.stayhousedla.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Diego County
Here are some places to start.
Regional Task Force on Homelessness: Get Help
What it offers San Diego County's guide to Coordinated Entry access sites, where people experiencing homelessness can get connected to housing help.
How to reach Find access sites at https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/
Source https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
What it offers No cost legal help, information and advice for people with low incomes in San Diego County, including housing problems.
How to reach Call 877.534.2524.
Source https://www.lassd.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County
Here are some places to start.
Orange County Care Coordination: Get Help
What it offers The county points people to 211 Orange County (211OC) for shelter and local services. For a person experiencing homelessness who is in a mental health crisis, the county lists its Crisis Assessment Team.
How to reach Dial 211. Crisis Assessment Team: 855.625.4657.
Source https://ceo.oc.gov/office-care-coordination/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Community Legal Aid SoCal
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people who qualify. You can call or use the online intake form.
How to reach Call 714.571.5200.
Source https://www.communitylegalsocal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Riverside County
Here are some places to start.
Path of Life Ministries
What it offers Shelter in Riverside, listed by the county as open 24 hours. 2840 Hulen Place, Riverside.
How to reach Call 951.683.4101.
Source https://rivcohws.org/get-help-connect-homeless-services
Last checked October 16, 2026
Inland Counties Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, with offices in Riverside and Ontario.
How to reach Intake line: 888.245.4257. Seniors: 800.977.4257.
Source https://www.inlandlegal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Bernardino County
Here are some places to start.
San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services
What it offers The county says to call 211 for basic needs and homeless help. The 211 Coordinated Entry System is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Inland Counties Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, with offices in Riverside and Ontario.
How to reach Intake line: 888.245.4257. Seniors: 800.977.4257.
Source https://www.inlandlegal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Santa Clara County (San Jose)
Here are some places to start.
Santa Clara County Here4You Hotline
What it offers Matches people to emergency shelter and transportation, directs people who need rent help to prevention services, and makes referrals. Serves singles, couples and families. Open every day, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to reach Call 408.385.2400.
Last checked October 16, 2026
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley: Housing
What it offers No cost legal help with housing problems in Santa Clara County. 4 North Second Street, Suite 1300, San Jose.
How to reach Housing line: 408.280.2424.
Source https://www.lawfoundation.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Alameda County (Oakland)
Here are some places to start.
Alameda County Health: Housing and Homelessness
What it offers The county says to call 211 if you are looking for housing or services. Housing Resource Centers offer housing problem solving and Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://homelessness.acgov.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Bay Area Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help, with offices in Alameda, Contra Costa and other Bay Area counties.
How to reach Legal Advice Line: 800.551.5554.
Source https://baylegal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sacramento County
Here are some places to start.
Sacramento Steps Forward: Get Help
What it offers If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Sacramento County, call 211 and press 8 for shelter, housing and other homeless services. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to reach Dial 211 and press 8. If 211 won't connect, call 916.498.1000 and press 8.
Source https://www.sacramentostepsforward.org/access-support/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Services of Northern California
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people who qualify. Sacramento office at 517 12th Street.
How to reach Call 916.551.2150.
Source https://lsnc.net/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Contra Costa County
Here are some places to start.
Contra Costa Health: Homeless Services
What it offers Call 211 or text HOPE to 20121 for resources, any time. Drop in CARE Centers in Richmond and Walnut Creek offer meals, showers, laundry, mail and case management. For outreach teams, call 211.
How to reach Dial 211 or text HOPE to 20121.
Source https://www.cchealth.org/services-and-programs/homeless-services/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Bay Area Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help, with offices in Alameda, Contra Costa and other Bay Area counties.
How to reach Legal Advice Line: 800.551.5554.
Source https://baylegal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fresno County
Here are some places to start.
Multi Agency Access Program (MAP), Fresno
What it offers A single place to start for Fresno County residents. MAP helps people find services for housing, food, health care, benefits and more. The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care also says to start with 211.
How to reach Call 559.512.6777 or dial 211.
Source https://fresnomaderahomeless.org/general-assistance-advocacy
Last checked October 16, 2026
Central California Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in the Central Valley.
How to reach Legal Advice Line: 559.570.1200. : 800.675.8001.
Source https://centralcallegal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My housing plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Where I stand
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
