California Courts Self-Help Guide
Shared California Courts self-help guidance, available for all 58 California county court contexts; local procedures and individual circumstances vary.
California Courts referrals to tenant-rights guidance, local legal information, housing resources and the appropriate state agencies.
Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources
Each court has a self-help center that offers free legal information. Find out from your local court what type of services they offer.
Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources
Department of Justice Overview of California law and rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords
Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 26, 2026
Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
Legal and housing resources
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The California Attorney General’s information about renter protections, habitability, lockouts, discrimination and other landlord/tenant issues. Statutory exceptions and local rules affect protections.
Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources
In addition to the statewide requirement that landlords have just cause before evicting a tenant, local laws may offer additional protections to residential tenants. Tenants and landlords should consult local resources to see whether their city or county has rules that may offer additional tenant protections.
Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources
If a landlord refuses to make repairs, tenants should contact their local code enforcement office or local health department. Cities or counties may also have their own rent board or rent control program that deals with building health and safety.
Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 26, 2026
Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
As a tenant, knowing your rights is critical. Under California law, residential tenants are protected from certain rent increases and may be protected from certain types of evictions.
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The Department of Real Estate’s official landing page for the 2026 California Tenants guide, with English and Spanish document links.
Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources
This guide is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 26, 2026
California Department of Real Estate · Landlord/Tenant Rights (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities
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California Civil Rights Department information on fair-housing protections, reasonable accommodations, prohibited retaliation and housing-discrimination resources.
Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is responsible for enforcing state fair housing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against or harass someone because of a protected characteristic, such as their gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion.
Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources
The law also requires reasonable accommodations for disabilities and prohibits retaliation against someone for exercising their rights.
Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 26, 2026
California Civil Rights Department · Housing | CRD (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
Housing Discrimination
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