Housing assistance in California

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in California

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in California

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Up to 1 month's rent (in addition to first month's rent) for deposits collected on or after July 1, 2024 (AB 12). Small landlords (individuals or all-individual LLCs owning no more than 2 rental properties with 4 or fewer units in total) may charge up to 2 months' rent, but not to service members. Advance rent of at least 6 months is allowed on leases of 6 months or longer.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)

Deposit return deadline

No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out, the landlord must return the deposit with an itemized statement of any deductions. Ordinary wear and tear cannot be deducted. Landlords must photograph the unit after move-out and after repairs (from April 1, 2025) and at move-in for tenancies starting on or after July 1, 2025. Deposits paid electronically generally must be refunded electronically (AB 414, effective January 1, 2026). Bad-faith retention can cost up to twice the deposit plus actual damages.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(e), (g), (h), (m)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

3 days' written notice to pay or quit, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays. The notice must state the amount due and the name, phone number and address of the person to pay (or bank account or electronic payment details).

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2)

Landlord entry notice

Reasonable written notice stating the date, approximate time and purpose, with entry only during normal business hours. 24 hours is presumed reasonable (6 days if the notice is mailed). No notice is needed in an emergency, if the tenant consents at the time of entry, or after the tenant has moved out.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1954

Rent increases and rent control

Statewide cap (AB 1482, in effect until January 1, 2030): increases are limited to 5% plus the regional CPI change or 10%, whichever is lower, in any 12-month period, in no more than two increments. New tenancies can start at any rent. Exemptions include housing built in the last 15 years, deed-restricted affordable housing, and many single-family homes and condos not owned by corporations or REITs (if tenants get written notice). Increases need 30 days' notice (90 days if over 10%). Some cities have stricter local rent control.

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1947.12, 827

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct is allowed. If the landlord does not fix conditions that make the unit untenantable within a reasonable time after written or oral notice (30 days is presumed reasonable), the tenant may make the repair and deduct up to 1 month's rent, no more than twice in any 12 months, or move out and stop owing rent. This remedy does not apply if the tenant caused the problem.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1942

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve California

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s California resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Civil Code § 1950.5 Security deposits (Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 25, 2026)California Legislative Information
2. Code of Civil Procedure § 1161 Unlawful detainer (Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 24, 2026)California Legislative Information
3. Civil Code § 1954 Landlord entry (Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 24, 2026)California Legislative Information
4. Civil Code § 1947.12 Rent increase cap (Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 30, 2026)California Legislative Information
5. Civil Code § 1942 Repair and deduct (Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 25, 2026)California Legislative Information
6. Tenants' RightsCalifornia Attorney General
7. LIHEAPCalifornia Department of Community Services and Development
8. LawHelpCALegal Aid Association of California
9. Eviction: TenantJudicial Branch of California
10. HACLAHousing Authority of the City of Los Angeles
11. Santa Clara County Housing AuthoritySanta Clara County Housing Authority
12. San Francisco Housing AuthorityHousing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco
13. Oakland Housing AuthorityOakland Housing Authority
14. SHRASacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency