Room & Board Resident Rights

Get a printed copy of the rental agreement or lease and read it carefully. This document should spell out what you and the owner are required to do.

Inspect the R&B with the owner or manager before you sign the rental agreement. If you see damage or problems, try to get the owner or manager to fix it before you move in. If it does not get fixed before you move in, take pictures of the damage and/or ask the owner or manager to acknowledge the damage in writing. If the owner or manager promises to make repairs, ask for these promises in writing, including by what date the repairs will be made.

Make copies, scan, or take pictures of your signed rental agreement as well as documents that show you live at the R&B address (such as a government-issued ID, bank statement, or a recent bill mailed to you at the R&B). Store these on your phone, email them to yourself, or give copies to someone else so you will have access to them if needed.

Never pay rent in cash unless you get a receipt.

You have the right to make decisions about how your IHSS, Calfresh, SSI, or other government benefits are used. The R&B owner or manager cannot force you to give your benefits to them or name them as the designee, representative payee, or care provider. If they receive benefits on your behalf, they must use them to meet your needs. 

The owner or manager must maintain the R&B in “habitable condition” to allow you to live there safely and in reasonable comfort. Unsafe wiring or plumbing, too many people living together, or other dangerous conditions can be reported to code enforcement (call 311).

The lease should spell out which meals will be provided and any agreement to provide specific types of food. If you require a special diet due to a medical condition, you may have the right to a reasonable accommodation.

Other residents or guests, except roommates, should not enter your room without your permission. The owner or manager must give you advance notice before entering your room.

You are entitled to access to the bathroom. Other shared areas, such as the kitchen and living rooms, may be restricted in your lease. If you have a medical condition that requires access to a fridge, you may have the right to a reasonable accommodation.