Advocacy

This section of the project is still under development. In the meantime, if you need assistance, please email arianamasklow@yahoo.com. You can find information about your rights as a tenant, resident, patient, or participant further down this page. Remember, if you have a bed, you have rights!

Victim of a Skim Agency - Transitional, Sober, or Shared Living

Many people lease or buy large houses to take advantage of housing subsidy programs. You can usually identify these houses because they won't have any programs and people have been living there for a long time. The house rules might change depending on whether they think you will pay the money or not. Moreover, if you have a lot of cash, they will do almost anything to make you stay. It's best not to pay in advance and only pay month to month because you probably won't get your money back. Be sure to remember what you sign. The housing might not be familiar with the Transitional Housing Civil Code and might not have you sign a restatement of this. I'm mentioning this because places like this will try to take all the money you have. When you don't allow this to happen, it can get chaotic, and they might try to kick you out. If you didn't sign a restatement of all the rules and regulations according to the civil code, you are considered a resident with full tenant rights. However, they still can't just kick you out without cause and verifiable proof. Always get receipts for any payments and keep up with records of payments from the housing subsidy program in case you have to call 911. Keep in mind that if you are paying rent at a transitional living facility, you are considered a tenant.

California Transitional Housing Civil Code 

Illegal Eviction

It is not legal for your landlord to call you and demand that you leave your residence, change the locks, or shut off any utilities or amenities provided during your stay. If this happens, you should immediately contact the housing department in your area and file a report with as many details as possible. If the situation worsens, you can also contact the council office and request they file a report with the District Attorney. If your landlord refuses to accept rent in an attempt to evict you, be sure to document this behavior immediately. Before taking any action, the landlord must make several attempts to resolve issues through written notice and follow the legal eviction process according to the laws of your state. Any requests made by the landlord must be accompanied by verifiable proof upon request. The landlord must also provide you with notice for the required number of days as per your state's laws. If you receive a summons, make sure to submit a written answer. This will allow you to obtain a trial date. Make sure to bring any evidence that could support your case, such as text messages, emails, written notices, or pictures.

Tenant Protections and Resources for Los Angeles 

Harassment

It's essential to be aware that landlords sometimes become overly controlling and fail to adhere to rental laws. This can happen in any living situation, whether shared or private. It's crucial to recognize this behavior early and document every conversation, along with the date and time. Saving pictures and taking screenshots is very important. Any form of communication that hints at or directly mentions having to leave your residence is harassment. Unless you go willingly and on good terms due to a positive relationship with your landlord, there are specific guidelines to follow. Furthermore, suppose your landlord discusses issues unrelated to housing, such as your mental or physical health, appearance, personal history, citizenship status, or other sensitive information, without your consent or a proper contract to address these matters. In that case, it is also considered harassment, especially in shared living spaces. It's essential to report these issues promptly, as such behavior can allow landlords to exert control and make you feel obligated to comply to keep a roof over your head. This type of behavior is not only unethical but also illegal. When communicating with your landlord, make sure to document your message and have a witness. Clearly express how you feel and ask them to stop the behavior. This documentation will help to address any harassment. By doing this, you are letting them know that you feel harassed and that you cannot handle it anymore.

Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance in Los Angeles