Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Avoiding Predatory Lending
Offers advice for home buyers and owners about recognizing predatory mortgage and lending practices, how to choose reputable lenders, and how to protect home equity from abusive loans.
Before you Rent Checklist
Finding a place to rent can be a challenge. You will have a better chance of success if you plan ahead. Here are some important tips to remember before you rent:
California Solar Consumer Protection Guide
A state-level guide for California homeowners considering solar that explains how to evaluate contracts, compare offers, check contractor licenses, understand incentives/credits and avoid being mis-sold in the solar market.
Disaster Recovery: A Resource for Homeowners
Provides information for homeowners, renters, and lenders on financial relief options and recovery steps after a natural disaster.
First-Time Homebuyers
CalHFA offers below-market interest rate first mortgage programs and a variety of down payment assistance programs to eligible first-time homebuyers.
Foreclosure Rescue Scams
This resource has some things you can do to avoid being the victim of a foreclosure scam. For a referral to a housing counselor near you, contact HUD at (800) 569-4287 (TTY: (800) 877-8339).
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Insurance Claims
What should my first steps be? What does the Additional Living Expense (ALE) part of my policy cover? Will my insurer cover the cost if I live in a trailer during reconstruction? Who is responsible for clearing the debris from my lot and is that covered under my policy? How can I get a fair claim settlement? What are my legal rights in California? The insurance company will only pay according to its "pricing guidelines"?
Getting Your Mortgage Company To Release Insurance Proceeds
Why can't I just deposit and use my insurance checks? Will the mortgage company pay me interest on the insurance proceeds they are holding?
Guide to Major Changes to Mortgage Servicing Bankruptcy Rule
Guide to bankruptcy rule changes going into effect 12/01/2025
Harassment Prevention Guide for CA Housing Providers
Guide on harassment investigation, complaint, and prevention for housing providers (i.e. landlords, property management companies, emergency shelters, and HOAs)
Hiring a Licensed Contractor
This site will help you select the right type of licensed contractor for your home improvement projects. You also can download or order CSLB publications and videos and connect with other agencies that may be of assistance to you.
Hiring Contractors After Disasters
Rebuilding after a natural disaster. How to check a contractor's license status and history.
Hiring Professional Help for an Insurance Claim
Information and tips on finding professional help for an insurance claim due to natural disaster.
Homeowner's bill of rights
The California Homeowner Bill of Rights is a set of laws that provide protections to homeowners who are facing foreclosure.
Housing Counseling Agencies
HUD-Certified Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues. This list will show you several approved agencies in your area. The counseling agencies on this list are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and they can offer independent advice, often at little or no cost to you. There is also a list of nationwide HUD-approved counseling agencies .
How to Calculate Value of Real Estate and Property
How to figure out the market value of real estate. This may be helpful for qualifying for some public benefits, estate planning, and planning to sell a home or real estate.
Know Your Rights: Sharing Information about Immigration Status in HUD Housing Programs
The sheet explains your rights when it comes to sharing your immigration status with HUD housing providers. It tells you when you are required to share your status and when you are not, what happens if not all family members are eligible for housing assistance, and how to respond if your housing provider asks for immigration information. It also lists which immigration categories qualify for HUD assistance, what information may be shared with HUD or immigration authorities, and advises you to talk to a legal aid group before giving any information if you're unsure.
Lawyer Referral Service - Fresno County Bar Association
2444 Main Street, Suite 125 Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 264-2619
www.fresnocountybar.org/?pg=clientreferrals
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Mortgage Relief Scams
Information about fraudulent foreclosure rescue scams and where to find help.
PILP Public Benefits Advocate's Guides
Advocate's Guides to the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, CalWORKs Homeless Assistance, and CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HDAP, HA, and HSP). The guides including program information, practical tips, and client fliers to improve access to and awareness of these programs.
Property Taxes for victims of a Wildfire or other Natural Disaster - Proposition 19
The page provides information about Proposition 19, which allows California homeowners, including seniors, disabled individuals, and disaster victims, to transfer their property tax assessments to a new home anywhere in the state. It also updates the rules for transferring property tax benefits between parents/children or grandparents/grandchildren. The page outlines eligibility, application processes, and deadlines.
Protecting Consumers in Homeowner Associations
The Office of the Attorney General has limited, discretionary authority to intervene on behalf of homeowners who are denied certain prescribed rights provided by the California Corporations Code.
Protect Yourself From Fraud Resources to Help You Achieve Financial Security
A consumer-education booklet produced by the DFPI that explains how to spot and avoid financial fraud and scams, safeguard personal data, understand your rights, and where to turn for help — essentially a fraud-prevention starter kit for Californians.
Rental Listing DRE Consumer Alert
A statewide Consumer Alert for anyone looking for rental housing, after seeing an increase in identity theft scams.
Reverse Mortgages
Info about how reverse mortgages work, types of reverse mortgages available, and how to get the best deal on a reverse mortgage.
Solar Energy Scams are Against the Law
A federal-government consumer-advisory about how unscrupulous solar companies may mislead homeowners about costs, tax credits and savings; it outlines how to audit offers, what red flags to watch for (e.g., “free” solar panels) and how to report suspected scams.
Understand your HELOC freeze or reduction
Don’t despair if your HELOC is frozen; there are several options available to get it reinstated.