Legal Services Fraud Alert for Renters

Many tenants who suffered income losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic may be dealing with money stresses affecting their ability to pay rent and stay in their homes.

If you are worried about or facing eviction, here is what you need to know to get legitimate help and avoid being a victim of fraud:

Eviction legal help

This self-help resource explains the steps in an eviction process.
If you are served with an eviction notice, do not leave your home. Get legal help.
Los Angeles: Stay Housed LA, 1-888-694-0040, provides virtual workshops and can help you find legal assistance.
San Francisco: San Francisco’s Tenant Right to Counsel guarantees any tenant the right to legal counsel in an eviction matter. If you face eviction in San Francisco and cannot afford a lawyer, contact Eviction Defense Collaborative, for assistance. This group may also be able to help with rent assistance.
Other areas: Use LawHelpCA to find free or low-cost legal help in your area. Also, Tenants Together’s directory of local resources is focused specifically on tenants.
Consider using a State Bar Certified Lawyer Referral Service. More on the benefits of using a certified lawyer referral service.
Be wary of attorneys who approach you in person or by telephone to offer legal services, as direct solicitation is generally prohibited.

Before you hire a lawyer

If you are considering hiring an attorney, look up their profile on the State Bar website to confirm they are licensed. You can check for license status and whether they have a history of discipline.
Ask whether the attorney carries liability or malpractice insurance.
Ask prospective attorneys how they will respond to your needs, and how quickly they return calls. You and your attorney should agree on how you will communicate.
Make sure you understand the fee agreement.
Ask for a copy of the retainer agreement. Verify that the services that you have hired them for are written clearly on the agreement.

More information

Reporting problems

This section of our website provides some tips on resolving problems with your attorney.

If you believe your attorney has acted unethically, file an attorney misconduct complaint so the State Bar can look into it.
If you believe the person you have hired is not eligible to practice law or is not really an attorney, you can file an unauthorized practice of law complaint.

More information

Housing is Key Tenant Resources
California Courts self-help page