Tenant Legal Resources
UCSC Legal Consultation Service
UC Santa Cruz students have access to free legal consultation services. Consult with an attorney about your off-campus (non-UCSC) housing issues, including:
- Review of lease/rental agreement
- Landlord disputes
- Security deposit issues
- Possible housing discrimination
- Roommate conflicts
- Eviction
Additional legal resources
California Courts Self-Help Guide
The online Self-Help Guide to the California Courts provides information about eviction, security deposits, and small claims case filing.
California Rural Legal Assistance
California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal advice for low-income tenants.
Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County
The Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County offers free housing mediation services to landlords and tenants with rental housing disputes. Mediation does not affect your rental or credit history and can help avoid eviction.
Lawyer Referral Service of Santa Cruz County
Lawyer Referral Service of Santa Cruz County is a nonprofit certified by the State Bar of California. Request an appointment and a staff member will help connect you with an attorney.
Santa Cruz County Law Library
Knowledgeable staff at the Santa Cruz County Law Library can answer questions about local legal processes and timelines, and connect you with helpful resources.
Tenant Sanctuary
Tenant Sanctuary is a tenant’s rights education service located in Santa Cruz. Tenant Sanctuary counselors offer walk-in counseling hours, legal clinics, and other events.
Local and state codes of law
We recommend using the resources above to connect with a legal aid organization or attorney. Talking one-on-one with someone knowledgeable about renters’ issues is the best way to get help. To reference specific local and state laws, you can search the following websites:
Looking for more info about tenant-landlord issues?
Visit our Tenant Rights page for a brief overview of important issues to understand as a renter.