Off-Campus Housing Resources & FAQs
Utilities
Republic Services: Trash & Waste Services
AT&T(Phone, Internet, TV): www.att.com; 1-800-288-2020
Comcast: www.comcast.com; 1-800-266-2278
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD): www.ebmud.com; 1-866-403-2683
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E): www.pge.com; 1-800-743-5000
Valley Waste Management: www.wm.com/index.jspw; 925-935-8900
Xfinity: www.xfinity.com; 1-800-934-6489
Safety
Saint Mary's College of California Campus Safety: 925-631-4282
Contra Costa County Sheriffs Department: 925-646-2441
John Muir Health Center: www.johnmuirhealth.com; 925-939-3000
Kaiser Permanente: 925-295-5180
Lafayette Police Department: 925-283-3680
Moraga Police Department: 925-284-5010
Moraga-Orinda Fire District: 925-258-4599
Orinda Police Department: 925-254-6820
Services
Bay Area Rapid Transit: www.bart.gov; 925-676-2278
City of Lafayette: www.ci.lafayette.ca.us; 925-284-1968
City of Orinda: https://www.cityoforinda.org/; 925-253-4200
The County Connection (bus system): www.cccta.org; 925-676-7500
Diablo Taxi: 925-686-4200
Town of Moraga: www.ci.moraga.ca.us; 925-376-2590
United States Postal Service (Moraga Branch): 1-800-275-8787
Yellow Cab Company: 925-284-1234
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord increase charges for utility services?
Yes, by an annual percentage of 1% each of gas and/or electric service when the service is paid for by the landlord. This increase does not apply to hot water or gas used in a common boiler (that cost may not be passed to the tenant).
Can a security deposit or the last month's rent be increased?
Yes, only by the annual allowable percentage and at the same time that percentage is applied. A new landlord cannot ask for an additional security deposit.
Can a security deposit be used for a last month's rent?
No, if the last month's rent has not specifically been paid at move in, the tenant must pay the full last month's rent.
Can the landlord reduce the amount of services while maintaining the same rent?
No, if the service is reduced or removed, there must be corresponding reduction in rent.
When is rent considered late?
Rent is due on the day specified by the landlord. There is no grace period, unless specifically noted in the lease or rental agreement.
Can a late fee be charged if a tenant is late with rent?
Yes, if the late fee amount was part of the original lease or rental agreement.
Is a replacement roommate considered an additional tenant?
No, however the landlord has the right to approve the new tenant.
May a tenant be evicted for violation of the lease or rental agreement?
The landlord is required to give the tenant a three day notice to cure or quit. However, violation of a lease or rental agreement is one of eleven legal reasons for eviction.
Can a tenant be evicted for keeping a pet when the lease/rental agreement forbids pets?
Yes, as it is specifically forbidden in the lease or rental agreement.
What can the landlord do when a tenant is being noisy and other tenants are complaining?
Police may be called to a tenant's unit to dispel the problem and, if the nuisance persists, the landlord has the right to evict the tenant.
Can a tenant be evicted if the unit is overcrowded?
Yes, if the landlord did not have previous knowledge of the overcrowding.
Is a tenant entitled to a notice before the landlord may enter the unit?
Generally, a twenty four hour notice is required. Only in cases of emergency may this be waived.
Does the landlord need the tenant's permission to do a major improvement to the unit?
No, however the landlord is required to give the tenant a 24- hour notice that the landlord intends to enter the unit to make improvements. The tenant may be evicted if they do not grant access when proper notification has been given.
Works Cited/Credit:
Loyola Marymount University: "Off Campus Housing"
www.lmu.edu
Retrieved 2007, January 10.
Santa Clara University: "Guide to Living Off Campus"
http://www.scu.edu/studentlife/living/offcampus.cfm
Retrieved 2007, January 10.
State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Web Site:
Town of Moraga Web Site:
www.ci.moraga.ca.us
University of San Francisco: "Off Campus Living"
http://www.usfca.edu/offcampushousing/
Retrieved 2007, January 10.