"Lease Literacy and Tenant Rights Education

Adult literacy

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

As a seven-year program director of a rental assistance program serving justice-involved and system-impacted individuals in Los Angeles, I have firsthand knowledge of the significant barriers our participants face in securing housing. With 95% of them having served decades in custody, most have never rented a home, lack basic understanding of lease agreements, and are unaware of their tenant rights. This deep gap in housing literacy leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and housing instability, making education in this area critical to successful reentry.

This grant will support the launch of the Lease Literacy and Tenant Rights Education Program, a targeted initiative designed to equip justice-involved and system-impacted individuals in Los Angeles County with essential knowledge and skills to successfully navigate the rental housing landscape. Recognizing that over 95% of our participants have spent decades in custody and have no prior experience renting a home, this program addresses a critical gap in reentry services by offering workshops and one-on-one support focused on understanding California lease agreements, identifying tenant rights, and preventing housing instability.
Through culturally responsive, trauma-informed education, participants will learn how to read and interpret lease terms, understand obligations and protections under Los Angeles County tenant law, and advocate for themselves in landlord interactions. The program will incorporate visual aids, simplified materials, real-life scenarios, and hands-on exercises to meet the unique needs of individuals with low literacy or limited formal education. By increasing housing literacy, the program will reduce the risk of eviction, exploitation, and reentry failure, ultimately promoting housing security and successful reintegration.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will see a measurable increase in housing stability among justice-involved individuals, reducing homelessness, eviction rates, and recidivism. Formerly incarcerated residents will be better equipped to secure and maintain housing, understand their rights, and advocate for themselves with confidence. Landlord-tenant relationships will improve, legal disputes will decline, and reentry outcomes will strengthen across communities. By bridging the knowledge gap in lease literacy and tenant rights, we are not only empowering individuals—we are fostering safer, more equitable, and more stable neighborhoods throughout the county.