I think I may be the victim of Real Estate Fraud; what services are available to me?
To report real estate fraud, please complete a real estate fraud complaint form here. Mail or deliver it with all supporting original documents to the address provided on the form. For more assistance, please call (805) 662-1750.
I am having trouble with my landlord/tenant, can you help me?
The California Department of Consumer Affairs offers a publication entitled “California Tenants: A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities.” It has basic information on the responsibilities of landlords regarding residential dwellings. You can find the publication at this website: https://www.dre.ca.gov/publications/ResourceGuidebook/. The Ventura County Superior Court’s Self-Help Legal Access Center offers guidance on how to fill out court forms for various types of cases including eviction/unlawful detainer actions; however their staff cannot offer any legal advice. For recorded information, please call (805) 289-8812 or visit their site at: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/. The Ventura County Bar Association offers attorney referral services and limited pro bono (free) legal assistance. You may visit their site at: https://www.vcba.org/.
Why is the posting required?
Senate Bill 1193 added Section 52.6 to the California Civil Code. This law requires, as of April 1, 2013, that specified businesses and other establishments must post a notice informing the public and victims of human trafficking of a telephone hotline number to seek help or report unlawful activities.
Which poster do I need to display to be in compliance with the law?
Printable versions of posters that meet the legal requirements are available on the Ventura County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Web page https://da.venturacounty.gov/crimes/ht/. The poster must be at least 8 ½ by 11 inches in 16-point font. In Ventura County, businesses must display posters in English and Spanish. The District Attorney’s Office has made available three posters: an English version that is 8 ½ by 11 inches, a Spanish version that is 8 ½ by 11 inches, and one that is in both English and Spanish that is 11 x 17 inches. The Attorney General of California has also created a model template which can be found on their Web site https://oag.ca.gov/.
Where do I have to post?
Civil Code section 52.6 requires that a specified business or other establishment must post the notice in a conspicuous place near the public entrance of the establishment or in another conspicuous location in clear view of the public and employees where similar notices are customarily posted.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade, adults who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of labor or services, such as domestic workers held in a home, or farm-workers forced to labor against their will.
What happens if I do not post?
A required business or establishment that fails to comply will be given 30 days from the date of the violation notice to comply. If the violation is not corrected, the business or establishment is liable for a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500) for a first offense, and one thousand ($1,000) for each subsequent offense.
How long do I have to keep the poster up?
Law requires the posting and there is currently no expiration date.
How does the poster have to be hung?
There is not a specific requirement for how the poster is hung, other than it must be displayed and visible. The poster may be printed on any thickness or type of paper and may be laminated and/or framed if desired.