General Instructions for Filing a Rent Adjustment Petition:
Step 1: Prior to the submission of a Rent Adjustment Petition, it is recommended that all petitioners contact the Rent Program to speak with a Rent Program Services Analyst. The Richmond Rent Program office will reopen June 21, 2021, and will continue to maintain normal business hours, (9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM). To limit possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus, all office visits by members of the public will be by appointment only. Rent Program staff members remain available to assist members of the public by phone (510) 234-RENT[7368] and email (rent@ci.richmond.ca.us)
In addition, the free legal assistance weekly Housing Rights Clinic is cancelled until further notice due to Coronavirus precautions. You may still call (510) 250-5270 if you seek free legal assistance with your petition.
Step 2: Complete the Tenant or Landlord packet and applicable attachment(s).
Step 3: Serve a copy on all parties and complete the Proof of Service contained in the Tenant or Landlord packet.
Step 4: File an original copy with the Rent Program using the following method:
- By mail: Mail to the City of Richmond Rent Program, Attn: Hearings Unit, 440 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 200, Richmond, CA 94804
- By Email: Attn: Hearings Unit at rent@ci.richmond.ca.us
Petition Forms
For Tenant Use:
Tenant Petition Filing Instructions
Tenant Petition Packet (must be completed by all Tenants submitting a petition, in addition to the appropriate petition attachment)
Tenant Petition Attachments:
Attachment A: Excess Rent Due to Overcharges or Increase in Security Deposit
Attachment B: Excess Rent Based on Overpayment Due to the Condition of the Rental Unit and/or Reduction in Rent Due to Decrease in Space/Services; Substantial Deterioration; Failure to Provide Adequate Services; Failure to Comply with Codes or the Implied Warranty of Habitability
Attachment C: Reduction in Number of Tenants
Tenant Petition for Failure to Pay Relocation Payments
For Landlord Use:
Landlord Petition Filing Instructions
Landlord Petition Packet for Individual Rent Adjustment (must be completed by all Landlords submitting a petition, in addition to the appropriate petition attachment)
Landlord Petition Attachments:
Attachment A: Petition for Rent Increase under Fair Return Standard: Maintenance of Net Operating Income (MNOI)
Access the Capital Improvements Amortization Cost Calculator
Attachment B: Increase in Number of Occupants Allowed
Attachment C: Change in Space or Services
Attachment D: Restoration of Denied Annual General Adjustments (AGAs)
Attachment E: Increase in Security Deposit Due to Addition of Pet(s)
Request for an Administrative Determination of Exempt Status
Petition to Determine Exempt Status
Waiver of Right to a Hearing
Other Petitions
Petition for Initial Rent Determination (To Reset or Maintain the Initial Rental Rate)
Petition for the Determination of Occupancy Status
For General Use:
Subpoenas and Subpoenas Duces Tecum
Proof of Service
Instructions for Filing an Appeal
Appeal of Hearing Examiner’s Decision
Request to Expedite Hearing Process