Ok, now it’s time to call someone.

After demanding repairs in writing, you can call the Oakland City Code Enforcement office at (510) 238-3444. In theory, Codes & Compliance are supposed to inspect units for habitability issues. They do this by calling you and setting up an appointment to inspect your unit. It is important that you be present during this appointment. Once they’re in your unit, make sure to point out the issues you’ve asked to be fixed. Make sure you ask the inspector to give you a copy of their finidngs ( it’s a pink copy) and their card.

They then write reports/citations for the city and for your landlord. You have the right to request access to the report written. To get a copy of the report, you can call the inspector and ask for a copy within 10 days of them visiting your home.

The report will also be sent to the landlord and it will include a timeframe to fix repairs. If you request a copy of the report, you will also know how long they’ve given the landlord to complete the repairs. If the landlord doesn’t complete them, the city will also fine them for not doing repairs. We recommend you follow up with the inspector directly 30-45 days after the report is written to let them know if repairs haven’t been made and to ask for a re-inspection. This process is long but it allows tenants to have good documentation to use in future lawsuits or rent board hearings. It also adds financial pressure to your landlord.

If you have pests including bed bugs, fleas, rats, skunks, mice or raccoons, call Alameda County Vector Control at (510) 567-6800.

Vector Control will come to your home and do a thourough inpection. They might even collect some samples of the animals. Once they do this, they will write a report and send it to your landlord. This will add pressure to your landlord to fix the issue.