1. What are my rights as a tenant?

• Landlords are required by law to address specific issues in your rental, including mold, leaks, broken windows, vermin, and faulty wiring.

• Your landlord cannot evict you for reporting problems or requesting repairs. Always document your communications with them.

• Rent increases are limited to twice yearly, and the total annual increase is capped at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI).

2. How can I find affordable housing?

• On-Campus Housing:
  Cal Poly students may be able to find more affordable housing options by living on campus. Be sure to check if their financial aid can cover housing costs.

• Off-Campus Housing:
  You should start your search early when looking off-campus, as housing fills up fast. Many students start looking as early as a year in advance. Use resources like:

  • Apartments.com

  • Cal Poly Off-Campus Housing

  You can also join housing groups like the Cal Poly Housing Facebook Group to connect with other students looking for housing and roommates.

3. When should I start looking for housing?

It’s best to start looking as early as possible—ideally, many months before you plan to move in. This is especially important for off-campus housing, as the rental market in San Luis Obispo can be competitive, and prices may increase closer to the start of the school year.

4. What should I do if my landlord isn’t following the law?

If your landlord isn’t addressing issues or if you believe they’re breaking housing laws, you can:

• Contact the SLO Legal Assistance Foundation for free legal support and advice.

• Report the issue to SLO City Code Enforcement, which handles health and safety violations in rental properties.

5. How can I protect myself from unfair rent increases?

Under California law, rent can only be increased twice within 12 months, and the total increase is limited to 5% plus the local CPI. If you believe your landlord exceeds this limit, gather documentation, seek legal advice, and report it to local authorities.

6. How can I get involved in advocating for tenants' rights?

• Volunteer: Join the SLO Tenants Union to help with canvassing, community outreach, and advocacy efforts.

• Vote: Stay informed about local measures like Prop 33 in the 2024 general election that directly impact tenant rights.

• Advocate: Share your story, attend city council meetings, or participate in rallies that support housing justice and tenant protections.

7. Where can I find more information about housing in San Luis Obispo?

For a detailed guide on navigating housing as a Cal Poly student, the SLO Tenants Union Resource Guide covers essential information:

• Tenant Rights

• Housing Search Tools

• Important Local Resources

You can download the guide here or contact us at slorentcoalition@gmail.com for more help.