1. If you are a Monterey resident, a copy of the Voluntary Guidelines For Residential Rental Owners and Managers was sent to all households on January 4, 2002. If you did not receive one, have misplaced your copy or you are not a City of Monterey resident, a copy of the guidelines may be either downloaded from our website, or by requesting a copy from the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Center (649.6219), or if you are a Monterey resident, by calling the Housing and Property Management Office at 831.646.3995. If you reside in a city other than Monterey, please call that City at one of the following numbers: Marina (884.1281), Pacific Grove (648.3190) or Seaside (899.6220)
2. Stay calm. These may be stressful times, but you will have better success by staying calm and focused as you proceed through this process.
3. Read the guidelines thoroughly. They contain useful information, plus an intake form in case mediation or Peer Intervention is necessary. The guidelines also refer to the state website www.dca.ca.gov where you can find "California Tenants, A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlord's Rights and Responsibilities." This is a comprehensive publication that addresses many landlord / tenant legal situations and issues.
4. The first thing you may wish to do is contact your landlord and / or property owner in writing. Try to resolve this on a person-to-person basis. State very clearly your concerns and your situation. Make specific requests whenever possible. This is not only a very effective way of communication, but the letter that you write, and the fact that you contacted your landlord and tried to resolve the situation, is important information to include should you go into the Guidelines Program.
5. If you do not arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, utilize the Guidelines and the Intake Form. Mail, fax or deliver the completed form to the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Center at 1900 Garden Road, Suite #110, Monterey, CA 93940. Phone 831.649.6219 or Fax 831.649.6287. Our office does not handle these directly, nor do we intervene directly. We administer the overall program only for the City of Monterey.
6. If you have had a rent increase and / or are having trouble paying your rent please contact the Housing Advocacy Council of Monterey County (424.9186). Housing Advocacy provides programs to assist low and moderate-income Monterey County households entering the rental housing market, to remain in their current rental housing, and to obtain services and information on housing and related services such as Security Deposit Guarantees.
7. If you feel you need legal counsel and cannot afford it, please refer to the following :
California Fair Housing 800.884.1684
TDD hearing impaired callers only 800.700.2320
Handles Discrimination Claims
California Rural Legal Assistance 831.375.0505
2100 Garden Road, Suite D Fax: 831.375.0105
Monterey, CA 93940
Provides legal assistance and education to low income Monterey County residents. Housing is a priority area for their services. They also help with public benefits such as Food stamps, general assistance, AFDC, and Medi-Cal. Household income must be no more than 125% of Federal Poverty.
Office hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Center of Community Advocacy 831.753.2324
9 W. Gabilan Street, #12, Salinas, CA 93901
Conducts outreach and educational programs in labor camps and other housing sites to inform farm workers of their housing rights and responsibilities, so farm workers can bring about housing improvements and work for the construction of new and affordable housing. Eligibility is based on 125% of the official poverty threshold, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget.
Hours are Monday - Friday 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
Legal Services for Seniors
915 Hilby Avenue, Suite 2 831.899.0492
Seaside, CA 93950 FAX 831.899.0596
21 W. Laurel, Suite 45, Salinas, CA 9390 831.442.7700
FAX 83. 442.7707
South County 800.499.1247
Legal advice and or representation for persons aged 60 and older who are socially and / or economically needy. Priority areas are housing, consumer/debt collection problems, elder abuse, access to health care, and income maintenance.
Office hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8. You may have other social or economic situations that you also need to resolve. If so, you may wish to refer to the "Directory of Community and Human Services for Monterey County." This directory of all known support agencies and programs is published by the Monterey County Free Libraries, 26 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901, phone: 800.322.6884. A copy of the directory may also be reviewed at the Monterey Public Library, corner of Madison and Pacific Streets, Monterey; phone 831.646.3932.