Alameda County has numerous services to assist low-income and other designated residents in accessing and maintaining a stable housing situation. The resources below are funded from Alameda County Housing and Community Development (HCD) or referred though them. Your qualifications for specific resources may depend on the program’s targeting. Please refer to specific program details for more information.
- Are you experiencing a housing crisis such as an eviction? Get free help through Alameda County Housing Secure
- Are you seeking affordable housing opportunities? Apply directly for an affordable unit
- Do you need non-emergency services? Get access to housing information, critical health information, and human services
- Are you currently unsheltered or homeless? Visit the nearest housing resource center access point
Alameda County Housing Secure is a collaboration of legal service providers partnering to prevent the displacement of our most vulnerable community members. ac-housingsecure.org
Eviction
How do I know if my eviction notice is legal? Do I need to move out? All eviction notices must be in writing, a verbal notice from your landlord is not a legal eviction notice. Landlords must serve the written notice before they file an Unlawful Detainer in court. Landlords must go through the court process to evict tenants, and tenants have the right to fight the case. If you are a tenant, landlords cannot simply change the locks or tell you that you have to leave. That is not a legal eviction. If you receive a verbal eviction threat from your landlord, or a written eviction notice, or your landlord wants you to sign an agreement and you are not sure if you should sign it, please contact a legal services provider to apply for assistance and advice about your options before you sign anything or decide to move out.
Find more about Alameda County evictions at https://alamedarentersrights.com/
- Residents of Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and Hayward are subject to different eviction rules.
- View complete eviction protections under state law.
If you received a Summons or Complaint The most important thing is to make sure you file a response or “Answer” within five business days of being sued, or you could lose by default. If you were just served, contact a legal services provider to apply for assistance. If you are close to the deadline, use this General Denial packet to file your response. See Alameda County’s Flyer (pdf) for the steps and deadlines in the eviction process.
- See the Eviction Process Flow Chart: ENGLISH (pdf), SPANISH (pdf), CHINESE (pdf)
- State of California Tenants Guide (pdf – 4.1MB)
Tenant Protections provides renters in California with high-quality information about their rights under both California law and local ordinances. Tenant Protections connects renters with local and statewide non-profits to help them deal with housing issues in their communities.
Legal Assistance and Displacement
The following organizations provide free legal services to low-income tenants and homeowners disproportionately impacted by the region’s housing affordability crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about your rights and apply for representation, contact them using the information below:
- Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach 510-251-2846
- Bay Area Legal Aid 800-551-5554
- Centro Legal de la Raza, call 510-437-1554, text 510-738-3906, or email tenantsrights@centrolegal.org
- East Bay Community Law Center 510-548-4040 ext. 201
- Eviction Defense Center 510-452-4541
- Housing and Economic Rights Advocates 510-271-8443
- Legal Assistance for Seniors 510-832-3040
Centro Legal de la Raza, the Eviction Defense Center, Bay Area Legal Aid, East Bay Community Law Center, and Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA) provide free legal services to low-income tenants and homeowners disproportionately impacted by the region’s housing affordability crisis.
East Bay Housing Organization (EBHO) is a community organizing group that provides resources for tenants facing financial hardships.
The Self-Help Desk at the Alameda County Superior Court provides legal information and resources to self-represent court customers. Assistance may be in the form of private appointments, referrals, Live Chat, and/or telephonic assistance. Self Help | Superior Court of California | County of Alameda
Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity (ECHO)’s Tenant/Landlord Counseling Program provides information to tenants and landlords on rental housing issues such as evictions, rent increases, repairs and habitability, harassment, illegal entry, and other rights and responsibilities regarding the tenant/landlord relationship. ECHO has trained mediators to assist in resolving housing disputes through conciliation and mediation. We make referrals to legal services for advice and representation on housing-related issues including evictions, rent increases, repairs and habitability, and harassment. ECHO Housing’s Rent Review Ordinance and Tenant Protections Training video or access the slide presentation (pdf – 4.8MB).
More Resources for Tenants
- Find out about Housing Vouchers
- Report problem with condition or habitably of your rental unit
- File a complaint and request an inspection regarding your rental via code enforcement unit or call 510-670-5460 or email PlanningCode.Enforcement@acgov.org.
- Alameda County has a minor home repair program for renters and owners. Apply on their website or call 510-567-8280 or email SSReferrals@acgov.org.
- Learn more about Mobile Homes or file a complaint about a Mobile Home Park
- Understand your rights as a Mobile Home Park resident
Utility Assistance
PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) provides financial assistance and support for customers, including help with past due bills, ways to reduce future bills, and additional general support.
East Bay MUD
If your water has been shut off due to non-payment, please call EBMUD Customer Service at 1-866-403-2683 to make arrangements to restore service. EBMUD’s Customer Assistance Program helps reduce bills for customers facing economic hardships.