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Know Your Rights! Know Your Resources!

Every renter deserves a safe, stable home and that starts with knowing your rights as a renter and the resources available to you. Renters have protections under California law that everyone should be aware of, and there are services to help to navigate housing problems. Please learn more with the information below
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Click the link below to learn more about landlord-tenant protections

California Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Issues

Even Without Rent Stabilization, Salinas Renters Are Not Alone

You have rights, resources, and real support and they're growing.

YOU HAVE RIGHTS AND LEGAL PROTECTIONS:

Rent Increase Notices

  • If your rent is increasing 10% or less, your landlord must give you at least 30 days' written notice.
  • If the increase is over 10%, you must receive at least 90 days' written notice.
  • For section 8 tenants, landlords must provide 60 days' notice to both the tenant and Housing Authority.

Learn More: California Civil Code § 827


Eviction Protection (AB 1482 - Tenant Protection Act of 2019)

  • Covers most tenants in buildings over 15 years old.
  • Limits rent increases to 5% + CPI (typically capped at around 8-10%) per year.
  • Prohibits eviction without "just cause" (e.g., non-payment of rent, illegal activity).

Full details here: AB 1482 Fact Sheet (Tenants Together)


Safe & Habitable Homes

Landlords are legally required to maintain properties in a safe, livable condition. This includes:

  • Working plumbing and heating
  • Safe electrical systems
  • No leaks, mold, or pest infestations

Report code violations to City of Salinas: (831) 758-7368 Or file online at: CityofSalinas.org

Return of Security Deposits

  • Landlords must return your security deposit within 21 days after you move out.
  • Deductions must be itemized and legally justified (e.g., cleaning, damage).

Know your rights:
oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/landlord-tenant-issues#deposits


REAL RENTAL SUPPORT SOLUTIONS

The Salinas City Council is working on a new, citywide support system for renters—focused on flexibility, fairness, and long-term housing stability.

Salinas Rental Assistance Programs (SRAP)
Coming Soon, may include:

  • Security Deposit Guarantee:
    Covers up to 75% of move-in deposits
  • Emergency Rental Relief:
    Up to 6 months’ rent for tenants facing job loss, illness, or crisis
  • Transitional Housing Support:
    Assistance for very low-income renters building toward stable housing
  • Inclusive Citywide Support:
    Available to qualifying renters in all neighborhoods, not just specific properties

WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER

The City of Salinas and community partners are investing in education, transparency, and real help—so every renter knows their rights.

Know Your Resources

Tenant Landlord Coalition
tlc-monterey.org

City of Salinas Housing Division
(831) 758-7368
cityofsalinas.org

Monterey County Housing Authority
(831) 775-5000
hamonterey.org

Center for Community Advocacy
(831) 753-2324
info@cca-viva.org

ECHO
(626) 788-2711
echo-housing.org

CRLA
(800) 337-0690
crla.org

Legal Services for Seniors
(831) 899-0492
lssmc.net

211 Monterey
(831) 566-0824
211monterey.org

Alliance on Aging
831.758.4011
allianceonaging.org

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