The Californer - San Jose: Free Mediation to Help Keep People Housed During the Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the housing stability of thousands of families and individuals in San José. Now more than ever, people need a safe place to call home.

That is why the City of San José Housing Department has partnered with the County of Santa Clara Office of Mediation and Ombuds Services (OMOS) to create the Housing Mediation Program. This program helps resolve rental housing disputes related to the COVID-19 pandemic so people can stay in their homes.

The program is voluntary for both tenants and landlords, and there is no cost to participate.

The role of the mediator is to help the parties discuss difficult issues, generate options for everyone to consider, and reach voluntary resolutions. The mediators do not provide legal advice. They help solve problems.

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Many types of disputes are covered by this program, including non-payment of rent, lease issues, nuisance issues, and roommate conflicts.

Mediation is conducted online to comply with the County's shelter-in-place order. Mediation services are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

If you, or someone you know, is involved in a housing conflict that has been caused (or made worse) by the pandemic, please reach out to the City of San José. We want to help you.

All inquiries are welcome. To request mediation through this program, either the tenant or landlord should contact the City of San José Housing Department at 408-975-4480 or RSP@sanjoseca.gov. A City of San José staff member will submit the necessary paperwork to get the mediation process started.

To learn more about this program, you may visit the OMOS website.

Filed Under: Government, City

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