How it works
From the first call to a plan, in four steps
Nothing here commits you to anything. You can stop after any step.
- 01
Step 1: Tell me what happened
Call, or send the short form. Say it the way you'd tell a friend: what the landlord did, when, and what you've received in writing.
- 02
Step 2: A free first call
About twenty minutes. I ask about dates, rent, and who lives with you. If there's a court deadline, we deal with that first.
- 03
Step 3: I read your papers
Send photos of the notice, the lease and any texts or letters. I read them before we talk again, and mark what matters.
- 04
Step 4: You get a straight answer
Whether I can take it, what I'd do first, and what it costs, in writing. If I can't help, you leave with the name of someone who can.
A fit check
Where I'm the right call, and where I'm not
Being honest about this up front saves you a week you may not have.
I can usually help when
You rent your home in Alameda County
You've had a notice, court papers or a lockout
Repairs have been asked for and ignored
A deposit was kept, or cut, without a fair reason
You need to end a lease early to be safe
Someone else is a better fit when
You're the owner or the landlord
The home is a house you're buying or own
The property is outside the county
It's a store or office lease, not a home
You qualify for free legal aid and they have room
What to gather
Bring whatever paper you have, even if it seems small
You don't need all of it. Photos on your phone are fine.
The notice or court papers, and the envelope they came in
Your lease, if there is one
Texts, emails and letters with the landlord or manager
Rent receipts or bank records
Photos of the problem, with dates
Step one is a phone call
Call or send the form. If a court date is close, call.