Landlord Tenant Issues, Public Housing & Foreclosure

Emergency Legal Assistance

The City of San Diego Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) helps low-income renters in the City of San Diego who are facing eviction for non-payment of rent or experiencing other housing problems due to the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EPP is operated by Legal Aid Society of San Diego through a contract with the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC). Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Community Development Block Grants fund this program.

Eligible tenants must:

• Reside at a City of San Diego address;
• Have household income at or below 80 percent of San Diego’s Area Median Income;
• Have an obligation to pay rent; and
• At least one member of the household has a reduction of income or other financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EPP includes the following types of assistance (assistance will be determined by LASSD on a case-by-case basis):

• Full legal representation for Eligible Tenants throughout the pre-eviction and eviction process, in settlement negotiations and through trial, if necessary.
• Limited legal services for Eligible Tenants through clinics, hotlines or appointments (virtual or telephonic), such as help with:
  • Counsel and advice
  • Completing COVID-19-related declarations
  • Submitting formal responses to eviction notices
  • Formal responses to Unlawful Detainers
  • Requests for reasonable accommodations
• Renter education and clinic:
  • Know Your Rights workshops (coming soon)
  • Help with Unlawful Detainer court forms
  • Help with Civil Harassment Restraining Order court forms