Tenant Resource Guide A reference list for tenants including government agencies, legal assistance, emergency resources, and more. Presented by Friends Housing Inc.
!"#$%&% Friends Housing Inc. This book is provided by Friends Housing, Inc. as a tool for both consumers and their families. Inside you will find helpful resource information in case of an emergency, to contact utility companies, receive discounts on utility services, locate legal assistance and advice, as well as other vital service information. Emergency Resources Fire, Ambulance, Police: 911 If 911 is busy, for Fire or Ambulance Emergencies: (800) 688-8000 Police Non-Emergency number: (877) 275-5273 Utility Emergencies LA Department of Water and Power (Electricity and Water) (800) DIAL-DWP, (800) 342-5397 The Gas Company (Gas) (800) 427-2200, en Español (800) 342-4545 Southern California Edison (Electricity) (800) 655-4555 Other Emergencies Animal Control: (888) 4LA-PET1, (888) 452-7381 Excessive animal noise such as barking or crowing; stray animals; dead animal clean up. Poison Control Center: (800) 222-1222 Provides free telephone advice and assistance in case of exposure to poisons, chemicals, or toxins. 24 hours/7 days a week
Tenant Resource Guide!"#$%'% Legal Resources Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (323) 980-3500 LACLJ s Housing Law Unit offers a full range of services from advice and counsel to full court representation. They provide services to preserve safe and affordable housing in Los Angeles through:!" Eviction defense!" Outreach to tenants living in substandard conditions!" Affirmative litigation against fraudulent slumlords and landlords Additionally provides education to tenants participating in the Los Angeles Housing Department s Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP) and Utility Maintenance Program (UMP). Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (800) 776-5746 Non-profit agency which assists developmentally disabled consumers. Provides free services including:!" Information for disabled persons regarding their legal rights!" Legislative Advocacy for persons with disabilities!" Assistance in fighting against housing discrimination!" Online fact sheets and publications about disabled housing laws
!"#$%(% Friends Housing Inc. Legal Resources Continued Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (800) 399-4529 The Housing/ Eviction Defense unit advocates for the creation and preservation of safe and affordable housing. Helps low-income tenants stay in their homes when they are being evicted unfairly. Organization provides:!" Community outreach and education!" Public policy advocacy!" Legal representation!" Pro per assistance (responses to legal actions) Los Angeles Housing Law Project (213) 481-0134, (213) 613-2760 The LAHLP offers the following services:!" Pro per responses (Answers, Motions to Quash, Prejudgment Claims Right of Possession) to unlawful detainer actions.!" Motions to respond to Notices to Vacate by the Sheriff s Department, and motions to respond to illegal lockout and utility shutoff by landlords.!" Court representation in unlawful detainer motions and trials.!" Consultations on 3-day, 30 day and 60-day notices.!" Referrals for help with habitability and Rent Control violations!" Post eviction consultations (after court) Fees for services are based on a sliding fee scale according to household income. Spanish speaking staff available.
Tenant Resource Guide!"#$%'% Special Services Utility Assistance Program (UAP): United Way: 213-808-6257 Families who need help paying their utility bills can receive help through a partnership with The Gas Company and Southern California Edison. The amount pledged can be up to $150.00. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): (866) 675-6623 Provides financial assistance to eligible households to offset the costs of heating and/or cooling homes. www.csd.ca.gov The Gas Company: (800) 427-2200 Offers a variety of assistance programs for both low-income households as well as discounts for households with a seriously disabled family member. Call for further information or visit www.socalgas.com/residential/assistance/ for more details. Hotlines Los Angeles Housing Department (213) 808-8888, (866) 577-RENT outside (213). This telephone information service is staffed each business day from 9:00-4:00. The Housing Rights Center: (800) 477-5977 Operates Monday- Friday 8:30-5:00 Provides telephone and in-person counseling to both tenants and landlords regarding their rights and responsibilities under California law and local city ordinances. Provides information and assistance around areas of housing discrimination, basic tenant issues such as lease renewal, rent increases, repairs, housing court, etc.
!"#$%*% Friends Housing Inc. Hotlines Continued 211 Los Angeles County Dial 211 Free from any phone in L.A. County. Provides callers access over 28,000 health and human service programs throughout Los Angeles County 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and is TTY accessible. www.211la.org Fair Housing Foundation (323) 295-3302 Operates 8:00am -12:30pm - 1:30pm - 5:00pm. Provides telephone and in person counseling to tenants on tenants rights issues such as housing court, repairs, lease issues and payment increases. Call to leave a message and a staff member will call you back. Government Agencies CA Dept of Consumer Affairs (800) 952-5210 California Tenant s Guide: http://www.dca.ca.gov/ publications/landlordbook/index.shtml Housing Authority of Los Angeles (213) 252-2500, (213) 252-2525 Public, Senior, and Section 8 housing. Rent Stabilization Hotline (800) 994-4444, (213) 847-7368, (213) 847-7598 (TDD) Call for questions regarding rent control, rent increases, or evictions.
Tenant Resource Guide!"#$%'% Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs Florence Firestone Service Center (323) 586-6508 7807 South Compton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90001 Monday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tenant Organizations The Housing Rights Center (310) 572-9234, (626) 791-0211 Provides telephone and in-person counseling to both tenants and landlords regarding their respective rights and responsibilities under California law and local city ordinances. Provides information and assistance around areas of housing discrimination, basic tenant issues such as lease renewal, rent increases, repairs, housing court, etc. Coalition for Economic Survival (213) 252-4411 http://www.cesinaction.org CES educates, trains, supports and empowers tenants to take action to protect their rights, their housing and their lives, and bring tenants living in threatened affordable housing together with tenants in slum and HUD housing to create a powerful voice to preserve and create healthy, safe and decent affordable housing.
Fair Housing Foundation (800) 446-3247, (323) 295-3302, (562) 901-0808. Offices in both South Los Angeles and Long Beach. Provides telephone and in-person counseling to tenants on tenants rights issues such as housing court, repairs, lease issues and payment increases. Many answers to frequently asked questions about tenant s rights and discrimination are available online at www.fhfla.com. Community Economic Development Unit (213) 640-3884 South Central Office 8601 South Broadway Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90003 If you have questions about any of the topics described in this book, or need more information about housing resources, contact Friends Housing. Ask about additional tenant information available from Friends Housing. Consumer and Family Education Project Phone: 213-744.7000 650 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007