Housing Information in California

Finding a place to live is one of the most critical steps for immigrants moving to California. Housing in California can be expensive, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. This section provides detailed information on housing options, how to rent or buy a home, tenant rights, and key tips for navigating the housing market.

Types of Housing in California

Apartments

  • Apartments are common for individuals and small families, especially in urban areas.

  • mot apartments require a lease agreement (typically 6-12 months)

Single-Family Homes

  • For larger families, renting or buying a single-family home may be preferable

  • Single-family homes offer more space and privacy but are more expensive than apartments

Shared Housing

  • Shared housing (renting a room in a house or apartment) is a more affordable option, especially in high-cost cities

  • this option is popular among students, single workers, and recent immigrants

Temporary Housing

  • Temporary housing options include motels, extended-stay hotels, and short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb).

  • Non-profit organizations and shelters may offer temporary housing for immigrants in need

How to Rent a Home in California

Step 1: Search for Housing

  • Use online platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, or Apartments.com to find available rentals.

  • Visit local housing offices or community centers for rental listings.

  • Be cautious of scams (e.g., landlords asking for money before you see the property)

  • If possible, visit the property in person before signing a lease

Step 2: Understand the Lease Agreement

  • A lease is a legal contract between a tenant and a landlord outlining the terms of the rental

Key Terms to Look For:

  • Rent Amount and Due Date- Make sure the rent amount and payment schedule are clear.

  • Security Deposit- The maximum security deposit in California is 2 month’s rent for an unfurnished apartment and 3 month’s rent for a furnished one

  • Maintenance and Repairs- The lease should state who is responsible for maintenance and repairs

  • Subletting and Guests- Some leases restrict subletting or long-term guests

Step 3: Pay the required Fees

  • Most landlords require the first month’s rent and a security deposit upfront.

  • Some may also charge an application fee (capped at $59.67 as of 2024)

Step 4: Move In

  • Once the lease is signed and the payments are made, the tenant can move in

  • It’s a good idea to take pictures of the property before moving in to document its condition

How to Buy a Home in California

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

  • Credit Score- Most lenders require a credit score of at least 620

  • Down Payment- A down payment of 3% to 20% of the home’s price is typically required

  • Employment and Income Verification- Lenders will ask for proof of stable income (pay stubs, tax returns)

Step 2: Apply for a Mortgage

  • Immigrants can apply for a mortgage even without citizenship, as long as they have legal status (e.g., green card holders, DACA recipients)

  • Some bankers offer ITIN mortgages for undocumented immigrants without SSNs (social security numbers).

Step 3: Find a Property

  • Work with a real estate agent who understand the needs of immigrants and can help find properties within your budget

Step 4: Close the Deal

  • Once a property is chosen, the buyer will sign a purchase agreement and complete the mortgage process

Key Tips for Immigrants Seeking Housing

Build a Good Rental History

  • Paying rent on time and keeping the property in good condition can help when applying for future rentals

Understanding your Lease

  • Always read the lease carefully and ask questions before signing

Keep Copies of Documents

  • Maintain copies of your lease agreement, rent receipts, and any communication with your landlord

Know Your Rights

  • Familiarize yourself with tenant laws and seek legal help if needed

Tenant Rights in California

California has some of the strongest tenant protections in the U.S. These laws ensure that tenants are treated fairly and have safe living conditions.

Key Rights for Tenants:

Right to a habitable Home

  • landlords must provide a safe and habitable living environment (e.g., working plumbing, heating, and no infestations).

Right to Privacy

  • Landlord must give 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property, except in emergencies.

Rent Control

  • Some cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland, have rent control laws that limit how much rent can increase annually.

Eviction Protections

  • Under the California Tenant Protections Act (AB1482), Tenants can only be evicted for specific reasons, such as non-payment of rent or lease violations

What to Do if Rights are Violated:

File a complaint

  • Tenants can file a complaint with local housing authorities

Seek Legal Aid

  • Organizations like Tenants Together and Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles offer free or low-cost legal help

Affordable Housing Programs

Housing costs in California can be very high, but several programs aim to help low-income immigrants

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

This federal program provides vouchers to help low-income families pay for housing in the private market

  • Eligibility: Based on income and family Size

  • How to Apply: Through local public housing agencies (PHAs). There may be long waiting lists.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties

LIHTC properties offer reduced rent to low-income tenants

  • How to Find: Search for LIHTC properties through online directories or local housing offices

Public Housing

Public housing units are managed by local PHAs and offer affordable rent to eligible families

  • How to Apply: Contact the nearest PHA for application details

Homelessness Resources

California has a significant homelessness issue, and many non-profit organizations and government programs offer help

Emergency Shelters

  • Provide temporary housing and support services

Transitional Housing Programs

  • Help individuals and families move from homelessness to stable housing

Permanent Supportive Housing

  • Offers long-term housing with support services for people with disabilities or chronic homelessness

Key Organizations

  • Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)

  • San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT)

  • California Coalition for Rural Housing