Dear Friend,
As your District-18 Assemblymember, I am committed to ensuring housing remains affordable and accessible during these unprecedented and challenging times. Despite COVID-19 no longer being an official national pandemic, the financial strains remain. Now, more than ever, we must ensure everyone remains housed and alleviate housing insecurity.
The COVID-19 tenant eviction moratorium from Alameda County expired 2 months ago, and the City of Oakland is phasing out their moratorium on July 14, 2023. Already there are reports of increased eviction court cases that have the potential to exacerbate and add to housing insecurity.
Earlier this year, I introduced and am working tirelessly to advance AB 846 relating to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program toprovide low-income renter protections from unjust rent increases in advocating for rent caps. Similarly, I worked on AB 1661 to support homeowners with the option of installing new meters or keeping their existing one to provide flexibility in adding accessory dwelling units in their homes.
I recognized the urgency to work and support legislation that addresses our housing crisis to ensure families and our communities remain housed. In today’s E-Alert: Housing as a Human Right: A Resource Support Guide you’ll find housing referrals to support you navigate services for tenants and homeowners in AD-18 from our amazing community organizations.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
Assemblymember Mia Bonta & staff are committed to keeping AD-18 residents fully engaged and informed.
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Section 1: Tenant Resources
Section 1A: Tenant Support Services
- Centro Legal De La Raza:
Since 1969, Centro Legal provides eviction defense representation, legal clinics, consultations, and resources.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here, calling at (510) 437-1554, or emailing tenantsrights@centrolegal.org. Spanish-speaking services are available.
- Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach:
Founded in 1975, API Legal Outreach seeks to keep vulnerable tenants and homeowners in their homes through holistic education and legal services, offering eviction defense and foreclosure prevention.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here, or calling (510) 251-2846.
- East Bay Community Center:
Provides assistance with defense of eviction/unlawful detainer cases, Section 8/Housing Authority termination hearings, rent board hearings, general counseling on tenants’ rights assistance to individuals to represent themselves, public outreach/education trainings, rental assistance program consultations and referrals, COVID-19 Resources for Renters on Eviction & Eviction Moratorium.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here, calling (510) 548-4040 ext. 201, or emailing info@ebclc.org.
- Eviction Defense Center:
Provides legal consultation and assistance at free or reduced/low-cost to tenants in Alameda County facing eviction.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here or by calling (510) 452-4541. Spanish-speaking services are available.
- Bay Area Legal Aid:
Supports low-income families against escalating eviction, displacement, and housing discrimination.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here, calling (510) 663-4744, or 1(888) 382-3405. Multiple language services are available.
- Oaklandside Affordable Housing Guide:
A thorough list of programs and services for residents to apply for affordable and deeply affordable housing programs and services.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here.
Section 2: Homeowner Resources
Section 2A: Homeowner Support Services
- California’s Mortgage Relief Program:
California program that is free to help homeowners with missed mortgage payments, late property taxes, loan deferrals, partial claims, or other homeowner financial hardships with up-to $80,000 for qualifying application.
You can learn more and apply here, or by calling 1(888) 840-2594.
- Alameda County Housing Secure:
This website contains various housing, tenant, and contact information for tenants and homeowners. This is a collaboration between the county and legal and support service organizations to prevent displacement.
You can learn at their website by clicking here.
- Alameda County Bar Association, Legal Access Alameda:
Is the pro bono arm of the Alameda County Bar Association. Legal Access provides free legal services to low-income people in Alameda County and is one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services in the county.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here, calling (510) 302-2222 (choose option #4), or submit an online inquiry. Multiple language services are available.
- Lawyers in the Library Program:
Alameda County Bar Association volunteer attorneys provide pro bono services to low-income individuals through free information and referral programs on most legal topics.
You can click learn more at their website by clicking here, calling (510) 238-3134, or scheduling an appointment.
- Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA):
HERA provides free legal services to low and moderate income residents to help tenants, homeowners and homeless residents.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here, and calling (510) 271-8443. Multiple language services are available.
Section 3: Tenants and Homeowner Workshops in AD-18
Section 3A: City of Oakland Moratorium Workshops
Oakland’s City Council has passed new laws to protect tenants in Oakland after the COVID-19 Emergency Moratorium is phased out starting July 14, 2023.
To learn more, attend a free webinar explaining which units are affected, prior state and local eviction laws, the new law on rent increases, evictions, late fees, and Just Cause amendments. There will be time to ask questions and receive helpful resources.
To register for the zoom event, click here.
Section 3B: City of Oakland Rental Assistance Program Portal
Oakland’s Housing and Community Development Department just launched the “RAP Rental Registry”!
This online registry is for rental owners in Oakland who are covered by the Rent Adjustment (RAP)/Just Cause for Eviction ordinance, and where RAP is hosting counseling sessions for residents to ask questions.
You can learn more at their website by clicking here. For an online guide to register, click here.