Tenant Resources in the Bay Area
Navigating housing challenges isn’t easy—especially when facing rising rents, or disputes with a landlord. This page connects Bay Area renters with trusted local resources, including legal aid, rental assistance, tenant counseling, and advocacy services. Explore county-specific programs below to learn more about the support available in your community.
Last updated: August 2025
Resources by County
Bay Area
- Tenant rights, advocacy, and rental utility assistance info: Housing & Homeless Services | 211 Bay Area
- Rental assistance, legal aid, and eviction prevention resources: Stay Housed Bay Area
- Affordable housing search and application portal for the entire Bay Area: Doorway Housing Portal
Alameda
- Legal assistance and eviction prevention services for tenants: EBCLC Housing Services
- Affordable housing advocacy and direct support for renters: EBHO Direct Support
- Tenant protections and rental help from Alameda County: Alameda County Housing Secure
Contra Costa
- Free legal support for tenants in eviction or housing disputes: Bay Area Legal Aid
- Rental assistance and tenant counseling for struggling renters: SHELTER, Inc.
- Legal counseling for seniors dealing with landlord-tenant issues: Official Legal SelfHelp Center
Marin
- Legal services for eviction defense and tenant rights: Legal Aid of Marin
- Rental assistance, utility help, and tenant support: Community Action Marin
- Self-help center for tenants navigating legal housing issues: Marin Superior Court Self-Help Center
Napa
- Counseling for tenants and investigation of discrimination complaints: Fair Housing Napa Valley
- City-administered programs for tenant rental aid and housing rehab: City of Napa Housing Division
- Utility and weatherization assistance for renters: North Coast Energy Services
Sonoma
- Free legal assistance for tenants facing eviction or unsafe housing: Legal Aid of Sonoma County – HOME Program
- Tenant rights, advocacy, and rental utility assistance info: 211 Sonoma Tenant Support
- County ordinance detailing tenant protections across unincorporated Sonoma County: Sonoma County Residential Tenancy Protections Ordinance – Tenant Resources
San Francisco
- Affordable housing and tenant resource directory from the city: Renting & Affordable Housing – SF.gov
- Tenant counseling and legal support for renters: Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco
- Community-led tenant advocacy and renters' rights workshops: San Francisco Tenants Union
San Mateo
- Legal representation and support for tenants in housing disputes: Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
- Rental assistance programs available to San Mateo tenants: County Housing Programs
- Emergency rent & utility support, plus eviction prevention case management: Samaritan House San Mateo – Housing & Shelter Services
Santa Clara
- Legal support and housing advocacy for tenants across Santa Clara County: Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
- Tenant-landlord dispute resolution and counseling programs: Project Sentinel
- Free legal aid and rental support for low-income renters: Bay Area Legal Aid – Santa Clara
Solano
- Legal aid services for tenants facing eviction or poor housing conditions: Legal Services of Northern California – Solano
- Rental support, eviction prevention, and housing resources: SHELTER, Inc.
- Countywide rental subsidy via Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program: Housing Authority of the City of Vallejo – HCV Program