WRITE AWAY : Booklet Tells Tenants Rights

If you’re a renter or a landlord, the state of California’s Department of Consumer Affairs publishes a free 50-page booklet that should be on your reading list.

Titled “California Tenants: Your Rights and Responsibilities,” the booklet covers such topics as the rental application and agreement, security deposits, dealing with discrimination, repairs and habitability, rent increases, right to privacy, moving out, terminations and evictions and resolving problems.

To receive a copy of the booklet send a stamped, self-addressed 7-by-10-inch envelope to California Tenants, P.O. Box 310, Sacramento, Calif. 95802.