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