Do I need a notary for this rent-withholding petition?

No. The petition does not require notarization and identifies no sworn or notarized attachment; the signer simply signs and dates it.

How do I submit Petition C?

The document does not provide a submission address, email, or portal. Submit it to the city department named on the form and check the city website for current contact details.

Can I stop paying rent after filing this petition?

No. The petition says renters must continue paying rent in full and on time until a hearing decision authorizes withholding and gives instructions for depositing rent into a city-established account.

What documents should I attach?

The petition asks for a copy of your rental agreement if you have one, copies of rent increase or other landlord notices that confirm your occupancy, and any documentation supporting your occupancy.

East Palo Alto, CA · San Mateo County

No notary required

Petición C – Aprobación Para Retener la Renta por Incumplimiento del Propietario en el Registro

This petition is for East Palo Alto renters seeking approval to withhold rent because they believe their rental unit was not properly registered.

What this form is

Renters use this petition to ask the city to investigate whether their unit is covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance and properly registered. Filing does not excuse renters from paying rent in full and on time; they must continue paying the landlord unless a hearing decision authorizes withholding and provides instructions for depositing rent into a city-established account. The petition asks about the unit, landlord, rent, utilities, and supporting documents.

Who needs it

A renter seeking approval to withhold rent because they believe the landlord failed to register their rental unit should complete this petition.

How to submit it

Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.

About notarization

This petition is completed without a notary; it requests supporting documents but names no sworn or notarized attachment, so the signer simply signs and dates it.

How to submit this form

1
Download the Petition
Download Petition C for requesting approval to withhold rent because of a landlord's alleged failure to register the rental unit.
2
Complete the Questions
Provide the rental unit address and move-in date, landlord information, rent details, utility information, and an explanation for your request.
3
Gather Supporting Documents
Include available rental agreements, rent or landlord notices, utility bills or receipts, and other documents supporting your occupancy.
4
Submit to the City
Submit the petition to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notary for this rent-withholding petition?: No. The petition does not require notarization and identifies no sworn or notarized attachment; the signer simply signs and dates it.
How do I submit Petition C?: The document does not provide a submission address, email, or portal. Submit it to the city department named on the form and check the city website for current contact details.
Can I stop paying rent after filing this petition?: No. The petition says renters must continue paying rent in full and on time until a hearing decision authorizes withholding and gives instructions for depositing rent into a city-established account.
What documents should I attach?: The petition asks for a copy of your rental agreement if you have one, copies of rent increase or other landlord notices that confirm your occupancy, and any documentation supporting your occupancy.

Need something notarized?

This Petición C – Aprobación Para Retener la Renta por Incumplimiento del Propietario en el Registro doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another East Palo Alto form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.