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California Courts Self-Help Guide

Shared California Judicial Branch legal information and procedural self-help; distinct from a local Superior Court division or legal representation.[1]

Source checked October 26, 2026[1]
Go to the official website (opens in a new tab)
Website address
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov

Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.

Contact details & office locations ↓
California statewide judicial self-help information. San Francisco is the stable browsing route only; the website does not replace the local filing court, a lawyer or individual case advice.Shared California Courts self-help guidance, available for all 58 California county court contexts; local procedures and individual circumstances vary. [2]

Online services & information

Use the links below for official services and provider information. Check each service’s instructions and service area.

Divorce and relationship-ending options (opens in a new tab)[3]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
You probably know what divorce means. In California, the legal word for divorce is dissolution. [4]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
Dissolution is the legal process to end a marriage or domestic partnership. It includes both divorce and a simpler option called summary dissolution. In some cases, people may choose a different legal process, like legal separation or annulment. [5]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
📌 You don’t need your spouse’s agreement to get a divorce. You can get divorced for any reason. [6]
Small claims in California (opens in a new tab)[7]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
Small claims court allows you to sue a person, business, or government agency that you think owes you money. Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you’re a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court. [8]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
You have to collect the money if you win your case. The court does not do it for you. [9]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
If you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose your case. The judge’s decision is final. You can appeal if you are sued, or the other side sues you back and you lose. [10]
Wills, estates and probate guidance (opens in a new tab)[11]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
Get basic information and links to sample legal documents (like a will or a power of attorney) to have a plan if you or someone you love becomes sick or dies. [12]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
Get basic information about what happens to someone's property when they die, including transferring property with or without going to probate court. [13]
Choose and respond to a restraining-order type (opens in a new tab)[14]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
If you need a restraining order, first find out what type of restraining order you need. Your court's self-help center ↗️ (link opens in a new tab) can help if you're not sure. Once you know, select that type to find the type of protection it offers, how to ask for one, and how to renew or enforce it. [15]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
If someone asked for a restraining order against you, choose the type of restraining order they asked for below to find out more about your options. The forms you got have the name of the type of restraining order listed on them. [16]
Legal name changes in California (opens in a new tab)[17]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
If you already changed your name and need a copy of a court order, contact the court where your case was filed. [18]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
The steps and forms you need to fill out vary depending on your situation. Answer a few questions to get the right set of instructions. [19]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
You can legally change your name by filing papers in court. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. You need this order to change your name on identity documents, like your driver’s license, passport, or social security card. [20]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
⚠️ If your name change is to match your gender identity or filed with a request for gender change recognition, you don't need to publish. [21]
Residential eviction court process (opens in a new tab)[22]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
This guide explains the eviction process (called unlawful detainer) for residential evictions only. It includes steps for: [23]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
📌 Note: This guide is not for commercial evictions (like businesses or stores). Talk to a lawyer if you need help with those. [24]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
This is a basic summary of the steps in a residential eviction case. For more detailed steps, scroll to the bottom and click on your role (either landlord or tenant). [25]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
The landlord gives the tenant a written notice. It says what the tenant must do and the deadline to do it. [26]
Find free or low-cost legal help (opens in a new tab)[27]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
There are a number of resources that may be able to help you with free and low-cost legal help [28]
Request a court fee waiver (opens in a new tab)[29]Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford court fees, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. [30]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
A fee waiver lets you file your papers for free. It may also cover some other court costs. [31]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
A fee waiver doesn’t cover the cost of a written transcript from a court reporter. This cost is paid to the reporter, not the court. You may be able to get help paying for transcripts through the Transcript Reimbursement Fund. [32]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
Other costs A fee waiver doesn’t cover lawyer fees, private mediation, or fines or penalties ordered by the court. [33]
Availability · Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
The information you put on your fee waiver request form is confidential. [34]
Tenant legal and housing resources — California Courts (opens in a new tab)[35]Official instructions

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. [2]

Before you start

Availability · California Courts resource referral; confirm the services offered by the actual local court
Each court has a self-help center that offers free legal information. Find out from your local court what type of services they offer. [36]
Availability · California Courts referral to the California Department of Justice renter/landlord rights information
Department of Justice Overview of California law and rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords [37]
Availability · County law library resource referral; actual programmes vary by library
Law librarians offer legal resources for people who don't have a lawyer. Librarians can recommend legal self-help books. Many libraries also offer free self-help programs. You can also ask a law library a question in Live Chat. [38]
Availability · California Courts referral to the separate 2-1-1 information programme; not a promise of rental funding
2-1-1 CA Free information and referral service that connects you to local health and human services resources. You can go to their website or call 2-1-1. [39]
Renter rights and landlord responsibilities — DOJ resource referral (opens in a new tab)[40]Official instructions

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. [2]

Before you start

Availability · DOJ guidance on checking additional local tenant protections; no determination that a particular tenancy is covered
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. [41]
Availability · DOJ referral for unresolved housing-condition concerns; contact the actual local code-enforcement or health authority
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. [42]
Availability · DOJ renter-rights information about lockouts; the cited page directs tenants to consult a lawyer about their rights
It is illegal to try to "evict" a tenant by locking them out, shutting off the water or electricity, or removing their personal property. The only lawful way to evict a tenant is to file a case in court and go through the legal process. A tenant who has been locked out should consult a lawyer about their rights, including returning to their unit and getting damages from the landlord. (Civ. Code § 789.3.) [43]
Availability · DOJ guidance on tenant responsibilities for cleanliness, proper use and damage
Tenants are responsible for keeping their units clean and sanitary, and for using appliances and fixtures as intended. Tenants must also avoid damaging the unit. If tenants cause damage to the unit, they may be responsible for the costs of repairing it. [44]
California Tenants rights and responsibilities guide — DRE resource referral (opens in a new tab)[45]Official instructions

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. [2]

Before you start

Languages · DRE landing-page document identity and language labels; PDF contents were not reviewed in this batch
View/Download PDFs: Landlord/Tenant Guide 2026 Edition (English) Landlord/Tenant Guide 2026 Edition (Español) [46]
Availability · DRE landing-page description of its informational guide
This guide is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. [47]
Housing discrimination and disability accommodation — CRD resource referral (opens in a new tab)[50]Official instructions

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. [2]

Before you start

Availability · Current Civil Rights Department fair-housing information; the webpage lists the complete protected characteristics and applicable exceptions
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. [51]
Availability · CRD housing-rights information; individual situations and statutory exceptions vary
The law also requires reasonable accommodations for disabilities and prohibits retaliation against someone for exercising their rights. [52]

Fees

Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.

Fee amounts have not been reviewed for this office.

Check the official website for its current fee schedule. No fee should be assumed to be free.

Forms & documents

Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.

Sources & last checked13 source pages · 52 citations

Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.

  1. [1] Self-Help Guide to the California Courts | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
  2. [2] Self-Help Guide to the California Courts | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Public Find Your Court county selector lists all 58 California counties
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Alameda Alpine Amador Butte Calaveras Colusa Contra Costa Del Norte El Dorado Fresno Glenn Humboldt Imperial Inyo Kern Kings Lake Lassen Los Angeles Madera Marin Mariposa Mendocino Merced Modoc Mono Monterey Napa Nevada Orange Placer Plumas Riverside Sacramento San Benito San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco San Joaquin San Luis Obispo San Mateo Santa Barbara Santa Clara Santa Cruz Shasta Sierra Siskiyou Solano Sonoma Stanislaus Sutter Tehama Trinity Tulare Tuolumne Ventura What's my county Yolo Yuba
  3. [3] Divorce in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Get a divorce
  4. [4] Divorce in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    You probably know what divorce means. In California, the legal word for divorce is dissolution.
  5. [5] Divorce in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Dissolution is the legal process to end a marriage or domestic partnership. It includes both divorce and a simpler option called summary dissolution. In some cases, people may choose a different legal process, like legal separation or annulment.
  6. [6] Divorce in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    📌 You don’t need your spouse’s agreement to get a divorce. You can get divorced for any reason.
  7. [7] Small claims in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Small claims in California
  8. [8] Small claims in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Small claims court allows you to sue a person, business, or government agency that you think owes you money. Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you’re a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court.
  9. [9] Small claims in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    You have to collect the money if you win your case. The court does not do it for you.
  10. [10] Small claims in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    If you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose your case. The judge’s decision is final. You can appeal if you are sued, or the other side sues you back and you lose.
  11. [11] Guide to wills, estates, and probate court | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Guide to wills, estates, and probate court
  12. [12] Guide to wills, estates, and probate court | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Get basic information and links to sample legal documents (like a will or a power of attorney) to have a plan if you or someone you love becomes sick or dies.
  13. [13] Guide to wills, estates, and probate court | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Get basic information about what happens to someone's property when they die, including transferring property with or without going to probate court.
  14. [14] Restraining order | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Restraining orders
  15. [15] Restraining order | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    If you need a restraining order, first find out what type of restraining order you need. Your court's self-help center ↗️ (link opens in a new tab) can help if you're not sure. Once you know, select that type to find the type of protection it offers, how to ask for one, and how to renew or enforce it.
  16. [16] Restraining order | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    If someone asked for a restraining order against you, choose the type of restraining order they asked for below to find out more about your options. The forms you got have the name of the type of restraining order listed on them.
  17. [17] Change your name in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Change your name in California
  18. [18] Change your name in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    If you already changed your name and need a copy of a court order, contact the court where your case was filed.
  19. [19] Change your name in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    The steps and forms you need to fill out vary depending on your situation. Answer a few questions to get the right set of instructions.
  20. [20] Change your name in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    You can legally change your name by filing papers in court. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. You need this order to change your name on identity documents, like your driver’s license, passport, or social security card.
  21. [21] Change your name in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    ⚠️ If your name change is to match your gender identity or filed with a request for gender change recognition, you don't need to publish.
  22. [22] Eviction cases in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Eviction cases in California
  23. [23] Eviction cases in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    This guide explains the eviction process (called unlawful detainer) for residential evictions only. It includes steps for:
  24. [24] Eviction cases in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    📌 Note: This guide is not for commercial evictions (like businesses or stores). Talk to a lawyer if you need help with those.
  25. [25] Eviction cases in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    This is a basic summary of the steps in a residential eviction case. For more detailed steps, scroll to the bottom and click on your role (either landlord or tenant).
  26. [26] Eviction cases in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    The landlord gives the tenant a written notice. It says what the tenant must do and the deadline to do it.
  27. [27] Get free or low-cost legal help | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Get free or low-cost legal help
  28. [28] Get free or low-cost legal help | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    There are a number of resources that may be able to help you with free and low-cost legal help
  29. [29] Ask for a Fee Waiver | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Ask for a fee waiver if you can't afford court fees
  30. [30] Ask for a Fee Waiver | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford court fees, you can ask the court for a fee waiver.
  31. [31] Ask for a Fee Waiver | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    A fee waiver lets you file your papers for free. It may also cover some other court costs.
  32. [32] Ask for a Fee Waiver | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    A fee waiver doesn’t cover the cost of a written transcript from a court reporter. This cost is paid to the reporter, not the court. You may be able to get help paying for transcripts through the Transcript Reimbursement Fund.
  33. [33] Ask for a Fee Waiver | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Other costs A fee waiver doesn’t cover lawyer fees, private mediation, or fines or penalties ordered by the court.
  34. [34] Ask for a Fee Waiver | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed official page main content
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    The information you put on your fee waiver request form is confidential.
  35. [35] Eviction | Legal and housing resources | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Legal and housing resources
  36. [36] Eviction | Legal and housing resources | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Each court has a self-help center that offers free legal information. Find out from your local court what type of services they offer.
  37. [37] Eviction | Legal and housing resources | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Department of Justice Overview of California law and rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords
  38. [38] Eviction | Legal and housing resources | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Law librarians offer legal resources for people who don't have a lawyer. Librarians can recommend legal self-help books. Many libraries also offer free self-help programs. You can also ask a law library a question in Live Chat.
  39. [39] Eviction | Legal and housing resources | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

    Judicial Council of California · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    2-1-1 CA Free information and referral service that connects you to local health and human services resources. You can go to their website or call 2-1-1.
  40. [40] Landlord-Tenant Issues | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Justice · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    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.
  41. [41] Landlord-Tenant Issues | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Justice · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    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.
  42. [42] Landlord-Tenant Issues | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Justice · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    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.
  43. [43] Landlord-Tenant Issues | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Justice · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    It is illegal to try to "evict" a tenant by locking them out, shutting off the water or electricity, or removing their personal property. The only lawful way to evict a tenant is to file a case in court and go through the legal process. A tenant who has been locked out should consult a lawyer about their rights, including returning to their unit and getting damages from the landlord. (Civ. Code § 789.3.)
  44. [44] Landlord-Tenant Issues | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Justice · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Tenants are responsible for keeping their units clean and sanitary, and for using appliances and fixtures as intended. Tenants must also avoid damaging the unit. If tenants cause damage to the unit, they may be responsible for the costs of repairing it.
  45. [45] Landlord/Tenant Rights (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Real Estate · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities
  46. [46] Landlord/Tenant Rights (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Real Estate · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    View/Download PDFs: Landlord/Tenant Guide 2026 Edition (English) Landlord/Tenant Guide 2026 Edition (Español)
  47. [47] Landlord/Tenant Rights (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Real Estate · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    This guide is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
  48. [48] Landlord/Tenant Rights (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Real Estate · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Landlord/Tenant Guide 2026 Edition (English)
  49. [49] Landlord/Tenant Rights (opens in a new tab)

    California Department of Real Estate · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Landlord/Tenant Guide 2026 Edition (Español)
  50. [50] Housing | CRD (opens in a new tab)

    California Civil Rights Department · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    Housing Discrimination
  51. [51] Housing | CRD (opens in a new tab)

    California Civil Rights Department · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

    View supporting excerpt
    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.
  52. [52] Housing | CRD (opens in a new tab)

    California Civil Rights Department · Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section
    Source reviewed October 26, 2026

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    The law also requires reasonable accommodations for disabilities and prohibits retaliation against someone for exercising their rights.
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