File My Case With Small Claims Court
Here are some resources to start a legal process.
You have a few options. If other tenants in your building are going through similar issues, you can try and organize with your whole building and either reach out to attorneys collectively or organize direct actions to demand that repairs be made. On your own, you can call private attorneys or start a small claims suit. Small claims suits only take a few months but you can only file for damages up to $10,000 and it can be a hard process. Getting a private attorney to support you with your case can take a lot of time, require lots of intakes and may cost you money upfront but it can get you more damages and support. Chose the best option for yourself or talk to a community legal organization for more advice.
To file your small claims court, contact the Superior Court of Alameda Self Help Desk at (510) 272-1393
Get more information on Self-Help services, open hours, fee waivers, documents, and more here
East Bay Community Law Center Consumer Justice Clinic:
510-548-4040.
Before you begin a small claims court process, make sure you have sent a demand letter to your landlord first asking them to remedy the situation. You can use pictures, letters with the following information-list of repairs, how long you’ve had the issue, and official reports from vector control or other certified inspectors as evidence.
Click on the link below to find an attorney. Remember they cannot represent you in small claims court but they can provide guidance and talk through your options with you.