Free Rental Housing Mediation & Legal Advice

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Join us on May 6th at 6pm for an interactive workshop designed to help you maximize your security deposit return when moving out! Click here for more info.

NEED HELP WITH HOUSING CONCERNS? WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!

The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) offers free conflict resolution and legal guidance and education services to help address housing-related concerns. Our trained mediators and legal advisors work with you to explore fair solutions, educate you on your rights, and empower you to make informed decisions—all in a confidential and respectful setting.

What We Offer:

Free assistance for all Isla Vista residents and property owners
Professional mediators to guide productive conversations
Trained legal advisors to support housing-related concerns
Translation services available
Support for various housing matters, from maintenance to interpersonal issues
Helpful templates and resources for common situations

How We Can Help:

How Mediation Works: Mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial person (the mediator) helps people have constructive discussions to resolve their concerns. It’s less formal than legal proceedings and focuses on finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
Legal Guidance & Education: Our legal advisor provides educational support on housing rights, lease interpretation, and tenant protections to help you make informed decisions.

Get Started:

Browse Resources: Access helpful templates and guides to prevent or address common issues.
Request Support: Complete the form below to request free mediation or legal guidance and education services. (Available to all Isla Vista residents and property owners at no cost.)

Legal Notice: Legal Notice: Our team provides housing-related guidance to help you make informed decisions. We do not offer legal representation or act as your attorney.

Please submit the form below:

A clipboard with a checklist titled "RESOLVING CONFLICTS" and three checked boxes, signifying steps or tasks.

How to Resolve Common Roommate Conflicts

Check out this list of helpful tips when resolving roommate conflicts.

A clipboard with "BEST PRACTICES" written at the top and checkboxes indicating completed items.

Checklists for Best Practices as a Roommate, Tenant, & Landlord

Be vocal about what your living styles are and what tools and preferences you have. These include what is intrinsic to feeling safe and at home in…

A clipboard with "MOVE-OUT TIPS" and a checklist with three checked boxes.

Move Out Tips for Tenants

You are entitled to a move out inspection

Isla Vista Housing FAQ's

Workshop flyer on security deposits: expert panel, free dinner, Q&A. Date: 05/06/2025, 6-7 PM, IV Community Room, 970 Embarcadero Del Mar.

Security Deposits Workshop Video

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help you maximize your security deposit return when moving out. Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, 6pm - 7pm. At the Isla Vista Community Room.

An illustration of a roommate agreement with text and signature.

Model Roommate Agreement

This downloadable contract is great for resolving or avoiding roommate conflicts. It helps set boundaries on issues like guest frequency, quiet hours, and other important topics. Fill it out with your roommates and treat it as a binding agreement you all honor.

Illustration of a sublease agreement document with text and signatures.

Model Sublease Agreement

Use this downloadable contract to set rules between a sublessor and sublessee. Agree on details like subleasing dates, rent, and utilities. Writing these down reduces miscommunications and issues. Treat it as a binding agreement you both honor.

A clipboard with "TENANT RIGHTS" title and checked boxes, symbolizing a checklist for renters' protections.

Know Your Rights: Tenants

A “habitable home” is a house or apartment that is reasonably fit to live in. This means a rental should be free from unsafe conditions, substantial…