GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

Answers to Common Landlord/Tenant Questions:

Q: When should landlords return the security deposits?

A: Landlords must return any unused deposit monies to tenants within 3 weeks of the tenant vacating the unit.

Q: When should a landlord give notice of a rent increase?

A: Landlords must give tenants a 30 day written notice when raising rent in a month to month tenancy.

Q: When should a landlord give notice of an eviction?

A: Landlords begin the legal eviction process with a 30 day notice. A 3 day notice is used if there is unpaid rent or a violation of the terms of the rental agreement.

Q: Where can I get unlawful detainer (eviction) forms?

A: Court forms are available online at I-CAN!

Housing Code Enforcement

Notify your landlord IN WRITING if your dwelling needs repairs and/or there are dangerous or unsanitary conditions. Contact the following if problems persist:

Environmental Health 454-2022

Building Inspection 454-2580 

Capitola 475-7300

Santa Cruz 420-5100

Scotts Valley 438-2324

Watsonville 728-6017 

Legal Assistance 

California Rural Legal Aid Society (low income only) 458-1086

Senior Citizens Legal Services (55 years of age and above) 426-8824/728-4711

Lawyer's Referral Service ($35 for ½ hour legal consultation) 425-4755/688-8448

Small Claims Advisory by Monterey College of Law (free service) 373-1959

Paralegal Services See yellow page listings

Website for Landlord/Tenant Handbook 

Information and Publications

The following books designed for the layperson are available at the Law Library, public libraries, and many local bookstores:

California Tenants' Handbook by Moskovitz

Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court by Warner

Landlord's Law Book by Brown and Warner

24 Hour Recorded Landlord/Tenant Information 454-2128