Your June Tenant Action Plan: Steps to Take This Month

California Tenant Defense System | Justice Foundation

We close June with a concrete action plan — specific steps every California renter should take this month to protect their housing, regardless of whether they’re currently in a dispute with their landlord.

If You’re in a Stable Tenancy With No Current Disputes

This month: photograph your entire rental unit — every room, every wall, every appliance, every fixture. This documentation is your insurance. If you don’t have a copy of your lease, request one from your landlord. Review it for illegal clauses using the checklist from this month’s series. Find out whether your city has a local rent board or tenant rights organization and note their contact information — you want to have it before you need it. Research whether your unit is covered by AB 1482 or a local rent control ordinance. Know your protections before they’re needed.

If You’re Having a Dispute With Your Landlord

This month: document everything in writing. Every repair request should be in writing (email is sufficient — it creates a timestamp and record). Every landlord communication should be responded to in writing. Start or update your communication log showing every interaction, date, content, and outcome. If you haven’t filed a code enforcement complaint for habitability issues, file one this week — the official record it creates is valuable in any subsequent proceeding. If you’re facing an eviction notice, count the days on the notice carefully, verify the notice content against the legal requirements, and begin preparing your response.

If You’re Facing Eviction

This month: file your written answer to the unlawful detainer complaint within 5 court days of being served. Contact a legal aid organization immediately — don’t wait for a hearing date. Gather all documentation relevant to your defense: lease, payment records, repair demand letters, communication logs, photographs. The Justice Foundation Tenant Defense Kit has every form and every defense guide you need to respond immediately.