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Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services

Last Updated: March 31, 2020 10:55:37 AM PDT

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COVID-19 and California Leases Frequently Asked Questions

Be sure to check out our in-depth F.A.Q.s for California tenants wondering whether to cancel their leases early.

COVID-19 response update.

March 23, 2020: Student Legal Services remains open to serve the legal counseling, education and referral needs of the UC San Diego student population, though only through telephonic or Zoom videoconferencing appointments. Please call the office at (858) 534-4374 to arrange for an appointment.

March 12, 2020: Student Legal Services remains open to serve the legal counseling, education and referral needs of the UC San Diego student population. We are currently accepting in-person appointments, as well as telephonic or Zoom videoconferencing appointments upon request. We do ask those who choose to make in-person appointments follow the CDC recommended steps to prevent illness.

Any changes to this policy will be posted to this page as soon as practicable.

Can I Cancel My Lease? Webinar

As the University of California transitions to remote learning for Spring Quarter 2020, many students are wondering whether they are able to end their off-campus leases early. This webinar, which originally aired on March 23, 2020 at 11am PST, will discuss California landlord-tenant law and provide practical tips for those considering their relocation options during these unprecedented times.

View the webinar here, or download the PDF version of the slides here.

Living off campus? Protect your security deposit!

By law, your residence must be in the same condition when you move out as when you moved in. If it isn’t — or if you can't prove that it is — your landlord could keep your security deposit, perhaps costing you thousands of dollars.

To get your deposit back, you need to document the condition of your residence, including taking plenty of detailed photos and filling out an inspection checklist (PDF) both when you move in and move out.

Take steps to prove the condition of your residence before you move in, so that you don’t get nailed! For more on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, check out the handy California Tenants Guide (121-page PDF), produced by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

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