• Understand the lease terms, rent payment schedule, duration, and any penalties for breaking the lease. Make sure to document any property conditions before move-in with photos and videos.
• California Law: California has robust tenant protection laws, but it’s still essential to read leases closely. Confirm the lease term (most are 12 months in Isla Vista), check for automatic renewal clauses, and ensure you understand deposit terms and penalties for early termination.
• Resources: UCSB offers support through the Associated Students Isla Vista Tenants Union. Separately, Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) has resources for tenants to understand lease agreements better.

• Contact the landlord or property manager in writing for any needed repairs, and keep records. If urgent repairs (e.g., plumbing or heating issues) aren’t addressed, tenants can explore escalation options through local ordinances or tenant resources.
• Legal Rights: Under California’s "implied warranty of habitability," landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for living. This includes repairs for plumbing, heating, electrical problems, structural issues, mold, and other essentials.
• Action Steps: Document the issue by taking clear photos or videos and submit repair requests in writing to create a record. If issues persist, you may be able to withhold rent, pay for repairs (and deduct costs from rent), or file a complaint, but it's advised to consult an attorney first.
• Resources: Contact the Rental Housing Mediation Program or IVCSD at 805-770-2752 ext. 1 for guidance on escalation and mediation options. This service is available to both tenants and landlords to help resolve issues related to maintenance, communication, and lease responsibilities.

• Landlords can legally request early renewals, but tenants are not obligated to agree. Consider the terms and talk with roommates before signing, as early lease renewals can lock you into commitments with limited flexibility.
• Legal Standing: California law doesn’t restrict early renewal requests, but tenants are not obligated to renew early. Signing too early can limit flexibility, especially if tenant needs or roommate situations may change.
• Resources: IVCSD can provide information on negotiation strategies, and UC Santa Barbara’s Community Housing Office often advises students on timing for lease renewals and alternatives.

• Tenants are entitled to safe and livable conditions. If there are issues with mold, pests, or safety hazards, tenants should report these to their landlord in writing. If issues persist, see resources below. 
• Legal Protections: California tenants have a right to a habitable living space, meaning landlords must resolve safety issues like mold, leaks, pests, or broken heating promptly.
• Steps: Document the problem, report it in writing to your landlord, and if unaddressed, file a Building/Zoning Violation Complaint Form with the County of Santa Barbara and consider legal options.
• Resources: Contact IVCSD’s Rental Housing Mediation Program to help resolve habitability disputes or to get in contact for legal guidance and education. This service is open to tenants and property providers who want to better understand their responsibilities or resolve concerns collaboratively. Associated Students Isla Vista Tenants Union and Associated Students Legal Resource Center are available to help. The California Department of Consumer Affairs also offers a tenant guide for further information on how to file complaints or pursue legal action.
• If you believe your situation meets legal standards for uninhabitable living conditions or wrongful eviction, you may be eligible for further action. Consulting with legal aid or the IVCSD Legal Advisor can help clarify your next steps.

• Review your lease agreement, communicate with your landlord to resolve the issue informally, and keep detailed records of everything related to the dispute. Consider mediation services and guidance on conflict resolution offered through local resources like IVCSD’s Rental Housing Mediation Program.  
• Legal Options: Tenants have access to mediation before pursuing court actions, and mediation is often effective in resolving issues without escalation. Know when to contact local authorities and file a formal complaint.
• Resources: The Rental Housing Mediation Program provides free mediation services for both tenants and landlords to address disputes related to lease terms, communication issues, and property concerns in a neutral, facilitated setting. Additionally, the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County offers assistance to low-income tenants in cases of more serious disputes.

• Living with others can be challenging, especially when it comes to things like shared responsibilities, communication, cleaning, or splitting bills. If you're having an issue with someone you live with, it’s best to try to address it early before things escalate.
• Recommended Steps: Talk directly with your roommate in a calm, respectful setting. Refer to any written agreements you’ve made (like a model roommate agreement, see ours here) or lease terms related to shared responsibilities. If you're unable to resolve things on your own, free mediation is available through the Isla Vista Community Services District.
• How Mediation Helps: A neutral mediator can help guide the conversation, ensure everyone feels heard, and support the group in reaching a solution. This can be especially helpful in situations where communication has broken down or emotions are high.
• Resources: Request a mediation session by completing the form here or access tools like a model roommate agreement template.

• Landlords generally must provide notice before entering a rental property unless it’s an emergency. Reviewing entry terms in your lease can clarify specific rights.
• Legal Rules: California law requires landlords to give at least 24 hours' notice before entering for non-emergency reasons or for inspections, and entry should occur during normal business hours.
• Resources: Document unauthorized entries and, if necessary, reach out to Associated Students Legal Resource Center, Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County, or IVCSD’s Legal Advice Services.

• In addition to rent, landlords may charge security deposits, application fee, late fees, pet fees, return check fee, cleaning fees (only if justified after move-out), parking fees (if explicitly stated in the lease), utility fees (if utilities are not included), and fees for damages, but these must comply with California law. Check the lease for specifics and ensure that fees are documented and justifiable.
• Legal Limits: Security deposits are capped at two months' rent for unfurnished and three months’ rent for furnished units. Late fees and other charges must be clearly stated in the lease and should be reasonable.
• Resources: California Department of Consumer Affairs provides a California Tenants Guide detailing allowable fees. Contact the IVCSD’s Rental Housing Support team for clarification on specific fees. Submit an inquiry here or email: islavistamediation@gmail.com 

• Many leases have restrictions on subletting, so tenants should get written permission from the landlord before subletting to avoid potential legal issues.
• Legal Requirement: Many leases prohibit subletting without landlord consent. Failing to get permission may result in eviction, so it’s essential to review your lease.
• Resources: UC Santa Barbara’s Community Housing Office provides guidance on subletting, and IVCSD has a sample agreement here.

• To help secure the return of your deposit, document the property’s condition upon move-in, keep up with cleaning and maintenance, and do a walk-through with the landlord at move-out.
• Legal Protections: California requires landlords to itemize any deductions from security deposits and return the remainder within 21 days after move-out.
• Best Practices: Conduct a pre-move-out inspection with your landlord (this is your right as a tenant), document conditions, and request an itemized list if deductions are made. Use the California Department of Consumer Affairs Tenant Guide for instructions on deposit disputes . For disputes, consider mediation services and guidance on conflict resolution offered through local resources like IVCSD’s Rental Housing Mediation Program. The program can assist both tenants and landlords in reaching mutual understanding around deposit expectations and move-out procedures.
• Resources: Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County can assist with cases where security deposits are wrongfully withheld. Check out our Security Deposit Workshop here where panelists share tips and tricks to maximize your security deposit!

Yes, several local organizations offer help for tenants on housing issues, to mediate disputes, and to understand their rights.

Local Resources:

• IVCSD Rental Housing Mediation Program & Legal Advice: Offers free dispute resolution, legal guidance, and educational support on housing rights, lease interpretation, and tenant protections to help residents make informed decisions.
• Associated Students Isla Vista Tenants Union: Empowers tenants through education, guidance, and advocacy on housing-related concerns.
• Associated Students Legal Resource Center (ASLRC): Provides free legal education and referrals to all registered UCSB students. Consultations are confidential and cover issues including landlord-tenant disputes, contracts, citations, and more. The office also houses over 50 self-help law books written for non-lawyers.
• UC Santa Barbara Community Housing Office: Assists UCSB students with off-campus housing issues, lease reviews, and tenant-landlord concerns.
• Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County: Offers free or low-cost legal support for tenants, especially in cases involving eviction, unsafe living conditions, or discrimination.

• Rent increases in Isla Vista are regulated under California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which limits how much rent can be raised each year for many residential units. The law applies to most buildings that are 15 years or older and not otherwise exempt (like certain single-family homes or subsidized housing).
• Key Protections: Annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus the local rate of inflation (typically totaling around 8–10% max). Landlords must give proper written notice before raising the rent (usually 30–90 days, depending on the size of the increase).
• Resources: IVCSD’s Legal Advisor can help you understand whether your unit is covered under the Tenant Protection Act and what your rights or responsibilities are. Contact islavistamediation@gmail.com or submit a form on our website for free support.  

• In the event of an eviction notice, it’s important to understand your rights and the reason for the eviction. Review the eviction notice, consult with an attorney, and respond to it. You may have grounds to contest the eviction, especially if it doesn’t comply with California’s Tenant Protection Act. Consulting with a tenant lawyer or mediation service can be helpful.
• Legal Process: California tenants must receive a notice before eviction. The timeline varies based on the reason (e.g., 3 days for nonpayment of rent, 30-60 days for other cases). Landlords cannot evict without a court order. If the eviction case goes to court, be prepared to present any evidence that supports your case. If the landlord files an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit (which is the formal legal process for eviction), you will be served with a court summons. If you receive a summons, you must respond within the timeframe provided (typically 10 days after receiving the summons).
• Resources: In the event of an eviction notice, consult an attorney. AS Legal Resource Center and Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County can help tenants understand their rights and may represent tenants in eviction cases. IVCSD’s Rental Housing Support team is also available to answer questions from both tenants and property providers, and can help direct you to the appropriate legal or mediation resources depending on the situation.

• sla Vista has specific ordinances related to noise and parties. Familiarize yourself with local rules and be aware that violating noise ordinances can lead to fines or legal actions from neighbors or landlords. 
• Large gatherings and parties that disturb the peace are often subject to citations. Officers may issue warnings or fines if noise levels are excessive or disruptive to neighbors.  
• Festival Ordinance: When the Festival Ordinance is in place, no organized outdoor music activity provided by performers or by prerecorded means can occur during the hours of 6pm-7am. 
• Year-Round Noise Ordinance: 12am Fri-Sat, 10pm Sun-Thurs. Keep it down after midnight on Friday and Saturday, and after 10 PM Sunday through Thursday.
• Resources: Contact the Isla Vista Foot Patrol for noise ordinance information. IVCSD can advise on landlord-tenant communications if complaints arise.