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. Getting a notice on your door or a letter from court can make your stomach drop. Take a deep breath. You have options, and there is no cost legal help in California for people who qualify.
Here is the easy first step: read the paper carefully, write down every date on it, and call your local legal aid office today. Their numbers are in the county list later in this guide.
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 legal help, money or a result in any case.
- This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. For advice about your situation, talk with a lawyer or legal aid.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Legal aid offices give no cost civil legal help to people with low incomes, on things like evictions, benefits, family law and consumer problems. Each office decides who it can serve and which counties it covers, so call and ask.
- LawHelpCA.org helps you search for no cost legal aid near you. The California Attorney General's tenant page points renters to it.
- Every California superior court has a self help center with no cost help on forms and court steps. Start at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov.
- Legal aid offices for each county are listed later in this guide.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://oag.ca.gov/tenants
What to do when you get a notice, step by step
- Read the whole paper. Write down the date you got it and every deadline on it.
- Call your local legal aid office right away. Say you got a notice and give the dates.
- Dial 211 and ask about emergency rent help, if the notice is about rent.
- Keep paying what you can, and get a receipt every time.
- Save every letter, text, lease and receipt in one folder.
- If you get court papers, act fast. Don't wait for a court date to show up.
What to say when you call legal aid
"Hi. I got a [notice, eviction papers] on [date]."
"I live in [your county]. Can you help me, or tell me who can?"
"I rent from a [landlord or company], and my lease [is or isn't] in writing."
"What should I do before my deadline?"
Count the days on a calendar
Write down the date you got the paper. Deadlines can be very short, so ask legal aid to check your dates with you.
What if I get a notice to pay rent or move?
A notice to pay rent or move can give you only a short time to act. Questions about how to count the days?
Check the official page below.
- A notice is not an eviction. Only a court case can lead to a lawful eviction.
- Act fast. Pay if you can, ask for a plan in writing, dial 211 about rent help, and call legal aid.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-landlord/notice-types
Say you got a notice on a Friday
Say your rent was late and you got a written notice to pay rent or move on a Friday. You could call legal aid on Monday morning and dial 211 to ask about emergency rent help.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. It is not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-landlord/notice-types
What if I get eviction papers from court?
Act right away. The time to file your Answer is short.
Check the official page below for the details, and call legal aid.
- If you miss the deadline, the judge may decide the case without hearing your side.
- If you lose, the sheriff can post a Notice to Vacate at your home.
- The court's self help center and legal aid can help you fill out the Answer.
This is general information, not legal advice. See the county list for legal aid near you.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-tenant/respond
Keep these in one folder
Paperwork can feel scary, but you are not alone in this. One call to legal aid can change everything, friend.
From the Bunklow team
What if I'm locked out or my power is shut off?
Call legal aid right away. The California Attorney General explains lockouts and utility shutoffs on the official page below.
Check the details there.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/landlord-tenant-issues
How do I get my security deposit back?
Questions about deposits, how much a landlord can ask for, or when you should get it back? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/Know-Your-Rights-Security-Deposits-English.pdf
Take move out photos
When you move out, take photos and a short video of every room, with the date. It's one of the best ways to protect your deposit. You've got this!
What if my home needs repairs?
The California Attorney General explains repairs and what makes a home safe and fit to live in. Questions about what your landlord must fix?
Check the official page below. Common problems include:
- Plumbing, hot and cold water, wiring, lighting and heat.
- Leaks, broken windows and doors, and locks.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire exits.
- Pests like rats, roaches and bed bugs, and trash.
- Floors, stairs, railings, mold or dampness.
Keep your home clean and avoid damaging it.
- If the landlord won't fix it, call your local code enforcement, building or health department, or dial 211. The city or county should inspect and can order repairs.
- Think your landlord is punishing you for asking for repairs? Talk with legal aid.
- Holding back rent can put you at risk of eviction, so get legal help first.
This is general information, not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/Know-Your-Rights-Habitability-English.pdf
How to ask for a repair the safe way
- Take clear photos or a video of the problem, with the date.
- Ask for the repair in writing, by text, email or letter.
- Keep a copy of every message you send and get.
- If nothing happens, call code enforcement or 211 and ask for an inspection.
- Talk with legal aid before you hold back any rent.
If you get an eviction notice
The Attorney General says to tell your lawyer or the court about any health and safety problems in your home, and bring your photos and repair requests. Keep them all in your folder.
What if I'm treated unfairly because of who I am?
Think you were treated differently because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status? You can report it to HUD.
In California, you can also contact the Civil Rights Department at 800.884.1684. Legal aid can help too.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
How do I get ready for a legal aid appointment?
A little prep helps you get the most out of a short call or visit. Legal aid staff are busy, so having your papers and dates ready lets them help you faster.
You don't need to have it all figured out. Just bring what you have.
- Write a short summary. A few lines about what happened, in order, with dates.
- Bring every paper. Notices, court papers, your lease, letters and receipts.
- Write your questions down. It's easy to forget them once the call starts.
- Ask about language help. Many offices can help in Spanish and other languages, so ask when you call.
- Ask about next steps. Before you hang up, ask what you should do next and by when.
How to get ready, step by step
- Put all your papers in one folder, newest on top.
- Write down the date you got each paper.
- Write a short summary of what happened, in order.
- List your questions on one page.
- Keep a pen and paper by the phone for the call.
- After the call, write down what they told you and any dates.
What to say at the start of the call
"Hi. I'm a renter in [county], and I got [a notice, court papers] on [date]."
"I have my papers with me. Can you help, or tell me who can?"
"What should I do next, and is there anything I should do today?"
Bring these with you
It's OK to call back
If you remember something after the call, it's OK to call back. Legal aid would rather hear it from you than have you guess. You're doing great!
What if my landlord locks me out?
Call legal aid right away, and check the California Attorney General's tenant page for the details.
What if I got a notice to pay rent or move?
Act fast. Check the California Courts self help page for the details, and call legal aid.
How long do I have to answer eviction papers?
Not long. Check the California Courts self help page and call legal aid right away.
When should I get my security deposit back?
Check the California Attorney General's deposit page for the details.
Is legal aid really at no cost?
Legal aid offices give no cost civil legal help to people who qualify. Call your local office to ask.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
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.
LawHelpCA
What it offers Find at no cost and low cost legal aid offices near you in California, plus easy guides on housing, benefits and family issues.
How to reach Search at https://www.lawhelpca.org/
Source https://oag.ca.gov/tenants
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: Security Deposits
What it offers The courts' no cost guide to how security deposits work in California and what to do if yours isn't returned.
How to reach Read at https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/guide-security-deposits-california
Source https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/guide-security-deposits-california
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
California Civil Rights Department: Housing
What it offers Takes complaints about housing discrimination in California.
How to reach Call 800.884.1684 (California Relay 711). Learn more at https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/housing/
Source https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/housing/
Last checked October 16, 2026
California Courts Self Help: Responding to an eviction
What it offers Step by step help to file an Answer to eviction papers, with deadlines and forms.
How to reach Read at https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-tenant/respond
Source https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/eviction-tenant/respond
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Los Angeles County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
What it offers No cost legal help for people with low incomes in Los Angeles County. Self help centers can help anyone, at any income.
How to reach Call 800.399.4529 or apply online at https://lafla.org/
Source https://lafla.org/
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.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people in San Diego County, with offices in Midtown San Diego and North County. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
How to reach Call 877.534.2524 (TTY 800.735.2929).
Source https://www.lassd.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County
Here are some places to start.
Community Legal Aid SoCal
What it offers No cost legal help, including a tenant hotline and eviction help, for people in Orange County and nearby.
How to reach Call 714.571.5200 or use the online intake form.
Source https://www.communitylegalsocal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Riverside County
Here are some places to start.
Inland Counties Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help for people with low incomes, people with disabilities and people 60 or older in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
How to reach Intake line: 888.245.4257. Senior line: 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.
Inland Counties Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help for people with low incomes, people with disabilities and people 60 or older in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
How to reach Intake line: 888.245.4257. Senior line: 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.
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.
East Bay Community Law Center
What it offers No cost legal help in the East Bay. 2921 Adeline Street, Berkeley.
How to reach Call 510.548.4040.
Source https://ebclc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Bay Area Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in the Bay Area, including Alameda and Contra Costa 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.
Legal Services of Northern California
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in Sacramento and Northern California.
How to reach Find your local office at https://lsnc.net/
Source https://lsnc.net/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Contra Costa County
Here are some places to start.
Bay Area Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in the Bay Area, including Alameda and Contra Costa 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.
Central California Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Fresno County and 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 legal plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My dates
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. You're doing the right thing by getting informed. 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. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 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.
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