Do I need a notary for this rent petition?

No. The petition is signed and dated without a notary. If you have no supporting documents, it includes a statement sworn under penalty of perjury.

Who can file this petition?

A rental property owner or tenant can petition to challenge the maximum allowable rent. Tenants can also request a rent adjustment or refund for rent paid above that amount.

How do I submit the rent petition?

Mail, email, fax, or deliver it in person to the City Manager’s Office, Rent Stabilization Program. The form provides the address, email, and fax number.

What documents should I include?

The petition asks applicants to include supporting documents such as the rental agreement, canceled checks, rent increase notices, or other documents. Attach additional pages with the rental unit address if needed.

East Palo Alto, CA · San Mateo County

No notary required

Petition to Adjust Rent or Challenge Certified Maximum Allowable Rent

This petition lets a rental property owner or tenant challenge the maximum allowable rent or request a rent adjustment or refund from East Palo Alto.

What this form is

A rental property owner or tenant can use this petition to challenge the unit’s maximum allowable rent or request an adjustment or refund for rent paid above that limit. It asks for the rental unit and applicant’s contact details, the reason for the challenge or adjustment, and supporting information. Challenges generally must arrive within 30 days after the rent certificate is issued; tenants are asked to submit adjustment requests promptly.

Who needs it

A rental property owner or tenant who wants to challenge the maximum allowable rent or request a rent adjustment or refund can file this petition.

How to submit it

Send the petition by mail, email, or fax, or deliver it in person to the City Manager’s Office, Rent Stabilization Program, 2415 University Avenue, second floor, East Palo Alto, CA 94303; email [email protected] or fax 650-853-3115.

About notarization

This document is signed and dated without a notary; if the signer has no supporting documents, the petition includes a statement sworn under penalty of perjury.

How to submit this form

1
Download The Petition
Download the rent adjustment or maximum allowable rent challenge petition.
2
Complete The Petition
Provide the rental unit address, applicant contact information, and the reasons for your challenge or adjustment request.
3
Gather Supporting Documents
Include the rental agreement, canceled checks, rent increase notices, or other supporting documents. Attach extra pages with the rental unit address if needed.
4
Submit To The City
Mail, email, fax, or deliver the petition to the City Manager’s Office, Rent Stabilization Program, using the contact details on the form.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notary for this rent petition?: No. The petition is signed and dated without a notary. If you have no supporting documents, it includes a statement sworn under penalty of perjury.
Who can file this petition?: A rental property owner or tenant can petition to challenge the maximum allowable rent. Tenants can also request a rent adjustment or refund for rent paid above that amount.
How do I submit the rent petition?: Mail, email, fax, or deliver it in person to the City Manager’s Office, Rent Stabilization Program. The form provides the address, email, and fax number.
What documents should I include?: The petition asks applicants to include supporting documents such as the rental agreement, canceled checks, rent increase notices, or other documents. Attach additional pages with the rental unit address if needed.

Need something notarized?

This Petition to Adjust Rent or Challenge Certified Maximum Allowable Rent doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another East Palo Alto form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.