Merced City News/Upcoming Events: 

Cultiva Central Valley's Annual Zombie Bike Ride: October 26, 2024 

Fresno City News/ Upcoming Events: 

HOPe Lab News: 

We got published in the Journal of Participatory Research Methods!

We are so excited to share that our work has been published in the Journal of Participatory Research Methods! In collaboration with Faith in the Valley (Fresno), and Cultiva Central Valley (Merced), the HOPe Lab has focused the housing work on tackling the critical issues of housing and health equity in California’s Central Valley. Our approach centers on anti-racist research practices, engaging directly with residents, and forming resident-led local organizing committees (LOCs) to drive change from the ground up. This publication highlights how our collaborative efforts empower communities and generate insights rooted in their lived experiences. 

Rebecca, with the support of Power CA Action, published an Op-Ed in the Fresno Bee. The piece centers around Assembly Bill (AB) 2801 - the right to fair security deposit deductions. You can read more about AB2801 and how it would affect renters in California here. 

AB 2801 Updates and Summary: 

AB 2801 introduces new regulations for how landlords manage and deduct from security deposits. According to this law, landlords can only make deductions for necessary repairs, contractor work, or carpet cleaning needed to restore the rental unit to its original condition, excluding normal wear and tear.

Additionally, landlords are required to document the unit's condition by taking before-and-after photographs when a tenant moves in and out. This visual documentation is designed to enhance transparency and serve as evidence in case of disputes regarding security deposit deductions.

Why Does This Matter? 

AB 2801's stronger regulations aim to minimize disputes between tenants and landlords over security deposits. Such disagreements often escalate into legal issues, especially when tenants believe their deposits have been unjustly withheld.

By requiring proper documentation, particularly photographic evidence, the law helps create a clear record that can facilitate swift dispute resolution and reduce the likelihood of legal action. This shift towards accountability in the rental process benefits both tenants and landlords.