In 2016, Richmond passed the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction and Homeowner Protection Ordinance — the first rent-control law in Contra Costa County. The comprehensive measure includes both rent control and just cause eviction, which makes no-fault evictions costlier for landlords.
Ing to AB-1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, landlords in California are only permitted to increase rent by 5% plus 10% or the annual inflation rate, whichever is lower.
You start your case by filling out an SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim form and filing it with the court clerk. Be sure you name the Defendant correctly or you may not be able to collect your judgment.
Fill out the Summons (form SUM-100) and a Complaint. Also, fill out a Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010). Since you are the one filing a lawsuit, you're called the plaintiff. The person or company you're suing is the defendant.
To file or defend a case in small claims court, you must be (a) at least 18 years old or legally emancipated, and (b) mentally competent. A person must be represented by a Guardian ad Litem if he or she is under 18 and not legally emancipated, or has been declared mentally incompetent by a court.
The Small Claims Hearing You must submit copies of your evidence to the court and to each party in your case at least 10 days prior to the hearing. When submitting evidence, you must complete form LASC CIV 278 and use LASC CIV 279 mailing labels.
If you are: a person (this includes sole-proprietors) you may claim up to $12,500; if you are a Corporation, limited liability company or partnership, you may claim up to $6,250.