The landlord relies on the tenant to pay rent, and the tenant trusts the landlord to maintain the property in good condition. Knowing your rights as a tenant and knowing what the landlord has a right to expect from you is one of the best ways to avoid a possible dispute. This is why it is a good idea to request a rental agreement that has all the terms and expectations of the tenant. Such as the following:

Tenant Rights and Expectations:

· Right to Privacy: The landlord cannot enter your home without permission unless there is an emergency, such as a fire or bursting pipes. A rental unit must be fit to live in.

· Right to Repairs: Everyone has a right to safe and healthy living conditions. The law says that the landlord is responsible for making repairs and keeping the property in proper condition.

· Paying Rent on Time: The rent is due on the day specified in the rental agreement, otherwise there may be an additional late charge. If the tenant continues to owe rent, the landlord can serve the tenant a three-day notice. The three-day notice gives the tenant three days to pay rent or move out.

· Rent or Deposit Increase: The landlord cannot raise the amount of the rent during the term of the lease. If the lease is month-to-month, the landlord needs to give at least a 30-day advance written notice. They need to give you at least 60-days advance notice if the rent increase is greater than 10 percent.

Deposit

Most apartments will require you to leave a deposit as a precaution. You need to leave the apartment as it was when you moved in and not owe any rent money to receive the deposit back. You should write down any defects that exist before moving in so you will not get charged for any repairs that are were not your responsibility. After you move out, he landlord must pay the full deposit back within 21 days if the rental was left in excellent condition. If you don’t receive the entire amount, the landlord needs to give a written notification on how the deposit had to be spent to clean or repair the rental.

Complaining to the Landlord

Give your complaints to the landlord or property manager in writing. The law requires proof that the tenant has informed the landlord of the need for repairs before the tenant can take other action. Keep a copy of any letters you send to your landlord, and a record of any phone conversations with your landlord.

Housing Authority

The Imperial Valley Housing Authority is a public agency that offers a wide range of affordable housing opportunities to low-income residents. Although there is an extensive waiting list for housing services, sometimes priority is given to former foster youth applicants. Applicants need to provide a letter stating they have “emancipated” within a month of leaving foster care to be given special priority. Here are 2 of the most common programs that Housing Authority offers:

Section 8: This program assists applicants by paying a portion of their rent that is based on a percentage of their income. You can look for a rental unit of your choice and also transfer the assistance to other cities.

Public Housing: These are affordable rental units that are owned and rented by Housing Authority. The units range from 1-bedroom apartments to five bedroom homes and are located throughout the County.

In addition, Housing Authority has plans to build a new apartment complex in El Centro this coming year. A section of those apartments will be reserved for applicants who are former foster youth.