Consumer Services Guide (CSG)

Housing Information Edition

The Consumer Services Guide is searchable directory of resources which can help you with consumer problems and questions. There are multiple editions of the 'Guide', some which deal with specific issues such as housing or credit. The full directory, the Consumer Service Guide Edition, provides access to all the resources collected by Consumer Action.

Records Found: 42

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Consumer Protection



• Appleseed
  A non-profit network of 16 public interest justice centers in the United States and Mexico, Appleseed is dedicated to building a society in which opportunities are genuine, access to the law is universal and equal, and government advances the public interest. Appleseed uncovers and corrects injustices and barriers to opportunity through legal, legislative and market-based structural reform. Working with our huge pro bono network, we…
  
  
• Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair
  Looks into complaints about invoices which exceed the written estimate, incompetent repairs, etc. Call to get a complaint form. Complaints in letter form are also acceptable.
  
  
• Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
  The Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation regulates upholstered furniture and bedding products sold in California to make sure they meet health, fire safety, and labeling standards.
  
  
• California - Business, Transportation & Housing Agency
  This site provides information and links to the 13 departments that this agency oversees, which include the Department of Financial Institutions, the Department of Corporations, the Department of Real Estate, the California Housing Finance Agency, and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
  
  
• California - Department of Consumer Affairs
  The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The Department also protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.
  
  
• California - Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
  The State Departments of Banking regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems and complaints about other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit.
  
  
• California - Department of Insurance
  The Consumer Services Division is responsible for gathering and responding to consumer inquiries regarding insurance company or producer activities.
  
  
• California - Department of Real Estate
  Handles unfair, misleading or fraudulent treatment by a licensee in real estate transactions. Call for complaint form. State your specific complaint, list witnesses and include copies of all documents.
  
  
• California - Housing Finance Agency (CHFA)
  CHFA finances below-market-rate loans to affordable rental housing and assists first-time home buyers.
  
  
• California - Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA)
  OREA licenses real estate appraisers and ensures that appraisers obey national and California standards and law. This agency also investigates complaints against appraisers. Site features consumer information, as well as license verification of appraisers.
  
  
• California Community Dispute Services (CaCDS)
  CaCDS is an independent, non-profit organization that strives to reduce community disorder and individual conflict arising from minor misdemeanor crimes, civil complaints and civil suits. We make a positive impact on the justice system by relieving the system of the types of cases it was not designed to handle and by helping to reduce the excessive workload that strains justice systems resources. CaCDS also performs…
  
  
• California State Department of Fair Employment and Housing
  The Mission of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, and from the perpetration of acts of hate violence. DFEH receives and investigates discrimination complaints in its twelve district offices throughout the State. Ten offices handle employment, public accommodations and hate violence cases and two offices handle housing cases.…
  
  
• Civil Rights Division, (DOJ)
  The Division is the program institution within the federal government responsible for enforcing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, handicap, religion, and national origin. Contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line to report an incident of housing discrimination, see details below
  
  
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
  The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. Congress established the CFPB to protect consumers by carrying out Federal consumer financial laws. Among other things, they: - Conduct rule-making,…
  
  
• Contra Costa County District Attorney
  Offers a limited mediation service; refers complaints it can't handle to the appropriate agency.
  
  
• Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
  Call regional offices for information on disclosable complaints against a particular contractor. Contact district offices about complaints against faulty or illegally executed work, unreasonable delays or other problems with contractors. Call automated operator to verify contracting licenses.
  
  
• County of Los Angeles District Attorney's Office
  Conducts civil and criminal prosecutions under California consumer protection and antitrust laws where business practices affect the general public. Does not handle individual consumer complaints; see the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs, above, or the Los Angeles Dispute Settlement Service.
  
  
• Federal Reserve Consumer Help
  Contact about complaints against state-chartered banks that belong to the Federal Reserve System. Also answers questions about consumer credit protection laws and regulations.
  
  
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  Enforces federal consumer protection laws concerning false advertising, deceptive business practices, inaccurate credit reports and handles complaints regarding credit cards, failure of banks to disclose credit terms, denial of credit because of discrimination and inaccurate disclosure of credit reports. May be able to assist with problems of abusive collection agencies.
  
  
• Fresno County District Attorney
  The Business Affairs Unit conducts investigations and prosecutions of consumer protection and fraud cases, business law violations, environmental law violations and major fraud.
  
  
• Home Improvement Branch, (HUD)
  Facts and pitfalls of home improvement. Sources that can help includes: federal loan programs, community-based programs, and consumer information.
  
  
• Legal Assistance for Seniors
  Call if you are having legal problems with Social Security, SSI, health care (including Medi-Cal, Medicare or nursing home issues), senior or subsidized housing, elderly abuse or incapacity. Help is available to Alameda County residents over 60 years old.
  
  
• Los Angeles City Attorney
  Responsible for the civil and criminal enforcement of state consumer protection laws violated in the City of Los Angeles. Refers victims to appropriate investigative agencies. Also operates a dispute resolution program to assist individuals in resolving disputes.
  
  
• Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs
  Counsels, investigates and mediates consumer complaints resulting from transactions in the marketplace. Conducts special investigations and makes referrals to law enforcement or regulatory agencies. Provides information to consumers and investigates home improvement and home repair scams.
  
  
• Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Division
  Contact regarding problems concerning rent control in Los Angeles or mediation of unlawful eviction or rent increases.
  
  

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