Quick Resource Guide: Evicting a Tenant

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Websites

Eviction Process – Step-by-Step for the Landlord 
Website from the California Courts that takes Landlords through each step of the eviction process, from notice through unlawful detainer judgment. Includes links to court forms.

Start the Eviction Process 
The City of Oakland has a resource page that has forms, links to the Oakland Housing Authority, Rent Adjustment Program, a link to make an appointment with a housing counselor, and other resources.

Forms

Library Books

    • California Judges Benchguides : civil and special proceedings, KFC970 .C34, shelf 108B (Self-Help) containing Landlord-tenant litigation: unlawful detainer (revised 2020).  This title is also available online  (PDF, external)
    • California Landlord’s Law Book: Evictions,  KFC145 .Z9 R67 2024, shelf 108B. Also available as an eBook  via Nolo Press (Ebsco)
    • California Landlord’s Law Book: Rights & Responsibilities
      KFC145 .Z9 R67 2023, shelf 108B.  Also available as an eBook via Nolo Press (Ebsco)
    • California Landlord-Tenant Practice,  KFC145 .C34 1997, shelf 110A.  Also available as an eBook via CEB Onlaw
    • Rutter Group: Landlord Tenant, KFC145 .F75 2024, shelf 110A. Also available as an eBook via Westlaw
    • Matthew Bender Practice Guide: CA Landlord Tenant Litigation,  KFC145 .W47 2003, shelf 110A. Also available as an eBook via Lexis and the Lexis Nexis Digital Library

Mediation Services

Congress of Neutrals:
This flyer (PDF, external) describes the services provided by the Congress of Neutrals.  This service provides free mediation services for landlords and tenants to resolve their issues before going to court.

ECHO Housing

    • ECHO Housing has trained mediators to assist in resolving housing disputes through conciliation and mediation.
    • Phone:  510-496-0496

Videos

Using Small Claims to Collect Back Rent

This video, presented by the LA Law Library, explains to both landlords and tenants affected by COVID-19 how and when such rental debt recovery claims can be filed, how small claims court compares to normal civil superior court, and what to expect when going through the small claims process.

Free Legal Help

Alameda County Court Self-Help Center
The Self-Help Center does not take walk-in patrons, but you may make an appointment to talk to someone in person.  Contact the SHC via chat or phone to make an appointment.  Flyer about Self-Help Center Services: English flyer (PDF) | Folleto Español (PDF)

LiveChat

    • Monday-Thursday, 9AM-12PM
    • They may stop taking chats before the stated hours once they reach capacity.

Phones

    • Call: (510) 272-1393, Mon-Thurs, 2PM-4PM
    • Voicemails can only be left during phone hours; Messages are returned within 5 business days.

Housing Resource Desk (HRD)

Staffed by the Rent Adjustment Program, the HRD is located in the lobby of 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – noon and 1pm – 3pm.  The HRD staff can direct community members to the appropriate department or program, including ode Enforcement, Rent Registration, Home Maintenance and Improvement, Lead-Safe Homes, and others. Staff can also help patrons schedule an appointment with a RAP Housing Counselor. Call (510) 238-3721, Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for more information.

Low-Income Landlord Callback Clinic

Rental property must be in Alameda County.  This clinic is held twice a month; dates vary.  To make an appointment for the clinic call 510-302-2222, option 4 or visit make an appointment online.

Community Legal Assistance Saturday Program (CLASP)
Free all-topics telephone legal clinic on the first Saturday of the month.  Volunteer attorneys speak with individuals for 15-20 minutes.  To make an appointment, call the intake line at (510) 485-9933 between 10:00 am – noon on the first Saturday/month and an attorney will call you back later that day.  CLASP Flyer  (PDF)

    • To sign up for an appointment call (510) 485-9933 on the first Saturday of the month between 10:00 am and 12 Noon.  At attorney will call you back that afternoon
    • The phone call from the attorney will be from an “blocked number” or “private party” – you won’t be able to see a phone number.  You must answer the phone, because if you miss the call, the attorney will call the next person on the list, and might not have time to call you back.

Hire an Attorney

BALI – Bay Area Legal Incubator

    • Address: 125 12th St. Oakland, CA Mezzanine Level
    • Affordable legal services. Some attorneys offer sliding scale fees
    • In-take form available on website, and you can also read the profiles and get contact information for the BALI attorneys
    • Bay Area Legal Incubator Website for more information:

ACBA Lawyer Referral Service

California State Bar

The California State Bar lists basic information about all attorneys registered to practice law in the state of California.  In addition, the site also provides an attorney referral service for the public to find qualified attorneys in their county.

Updated 4.16.2026

Skills

Posted on

May 15, 2025