Oakland Mun. Code Chapter 8.22 § 8.22.140
Voluntary mediation of evictions (Oakland Rent Adjustment Program and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinances)
Operative Text
The Rent Arbitration Program will assist in making voluntary mediation of evictions in covered units available to tenants and owners prior to an unlawful detainer lawsuit being filed.
Under Oakland Municipal Code § 8.22.140, the city's Rent Arbitration Program is responsible for making voluntary mediation available to both tenants and landlords in covered rental units when an eviction dispute arises, as long as the parties seek it before any unlawful detainer lawsuit is filed in court. The process is voluntary, meaning neither side is compelled to participate, but the program serves as a structured channel for resolving eviction-related disagreements outside of litigation. This provision applies only to units that fall within the scope of Oakland's rent regulation coverage.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers dealing with a potential eviction in a covered unit under § 8.22.140 can access the Oakland Rent Arbitration Program to pursue voluntary mediation before initiating formal court proceedings. Operators who engage with this program generally do so prior to filing an unlawful detainer action, as the provision specifically contemplates pre-litigation use. Familiarity with the program's availability is a practical part of managing covered rental properties in Oakland.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 8.22.140 of the Oakland Municipal Code gives tenants in covered units the opportunity to request voluntary mediation through the Oakland Rent Arbitration Program before a landlord files an unlawful detainer lawsuit. This can provide a structured, lower-stakes setting to address eviction-related disputes without immediately entering the court system. Tenants who want to explore this option can contact the Oakland Rent Adjustment Program directly, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on how the process works.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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