Petitions

File Petitions and Responses Online or Download Forms

This page allows you to either file a petition or response online (through RAP’s online petition and response system portal) or to download all the forms required to go through the RAP petition process.
To submit a form online, please click the form you wish to file, and you will have to sign into the RAP online petition/response portal to complete the appropriate questionnaire.
Note: you cannot file an online response to a petition through the portal unless you have access to either the RAP case number or the electronic petition number (which only exists if the petitioner filed their petition through the online portal).
To submit a paper form by email or regular mail, see the area below to “Download Forms” and click on the proper form. It will download to your computer. At that point you will have to print the form, fill it out, and follow the directions on how to file it. Please note the Ordinance has been amended and all petition and response documents must be served on opposing parties. See more about the rules inside the RAP online portal or on the forms. Feel free to contact RAP staff at (510) 238-3721 or RAP@oaklandca.gov.

File Online

File Tenant Petitions and Responses Through the RAP’s Online Portal

Tenant Petition
This link opens the RAP online portal and allows you to file a Tenant Petition.

Tenant Response Form for Rent Increase and Exemption Petition

This link opens the RAP online portal and allows you to file a response to a Property Owner Petition for Rent Increase or a Property Owner Petition for Certificate of Exemption. Note: you can only file an online response if you have access to either the RAP case number or the electronic petition number (which only exists if the petitioner filed their petition through the online portal). If you do not have a case number, you must file a paper response form.

As of now, there is no online response to an owner petition to extend time for vacancy. If you wish to respond to an owner petition to extend time, you must download the form below and fill it out and mail (or email) it to the RAP.

File Property Owner Petitions and Responses Through the RAP’s Online Portal

Property Owner Petition for Approval of Rent Increase, for Certificate of Exemption or to Extend Time for Vacancy

This link opens the RAP online portal and allows you to file a Property Owner Petition for Approval of Rent Increase above the annual allowable C.P.I. rate; a Property Owner Petition for Certificate of Exemption; or a Property Owner Petition to Extend Time for Vacancy.

Property Owner Response Form for Tenant Petition

This link opens the RAP online portal and allows you to file a response to a Tenant Petition. Note: you can only file an online response if you have access to either the RAP case number or the electronic petition number (which only exists if the petitioner filed their petition through the online portal). If you do not have a case number, you must file a paper response form.

Download Forms

For Tenants

Tenant Petition

Tenant Response to Owner Petition For Approval of Rent Increase

Tenant Response to Owner Petition for Certificate of Exemption

Tenant Response to Property Owner Petition to Extend Time for Vacancy to Complete Repairs

Proof of Service
Proof of Service documents are found in each packet for every kind of petition or response. Use the stand-alone proof of service whenever you are sending additional documents to the RAP.

Petition for Determination of Tenant Protected Status
Tenants can use this form to ask the RAP to address their claim of "protected status" as elderly, disabled, or catastrophically ill for the purpose of protection under the Just Cause of Eviction Ordinance.

Response to Petition for Determination of Tenant Protected Status
Tenants can use this form to respond to a Property Owner Petition for Determination of Tenant Protected Status.

For Property Owners

Property Owner Petition for Approval of Rent Increase

Property Owner Petition for Certificate of Exemption

Property Owner Response to Tenant Petition

Proof of Service
Proof of Service documents are found in each packet for every kind of petition or response except Property Owner Petition to Challenge Claim of Protected Status. Use the stand-alone proof of service whenever you are sending additional documents to the RAP or if you are filing a petition to challenge a claim of protected status.

Petition for Determination of Tenant Protected Status
Property Owners can use this form to challenge their tenant's claim of "protected status" as elderly, disabled, or catastrophically ill under the Just Cause of Eviction Ordinance.

Response to Petition for Determination of Tenant Protected Status
Property Owners can use this form to respond to a Tenant's Petition for Determination of Tenant Protected Status.