Facing Harassment from Your Landlord?
Know Your Tenant Rights in California
Feeling unsafe or pressured in your own home?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to put up with landlord harassment. California law protects you, and we’re here to help. At Tenant Law Group, we help renters across California stand up to landlord abuse, assert their rights, and pursue the financial compensation they deserve for the harm they’ve experienced.
What Is Landlord Harassment?
Landlord harassment refers to any intentional action by a landlord or someone acting on their behalf meant to intimidate, threaten, or pressure a tenant into leaving their rental unit or retaliate against them for exercising their legal rights. These actions aren’t just wrong—they’re often illegal under California law.
Common Examples of Landlord Harassment
Landlord harassment can take many forms—some obvious, others more subtle. Here are some of the most common ways landlords harass tenants:
- ● Entering your home without notice or consent.
- ● Shutting off water, heat, electricity, or other utilities.
- ● Threatening to evict you without a valid legal reason.
- ● Using your immigration status to intimidate you.
- ● Filing false complaints or frivolous lawsuits.
- ● Refusing or delaying necessary repairs.
- ● Changing the locks without your knowledge.
- ● Harassing calls, texts, or in-person confrontations.
- ● Retaliating against you for reporting code violations or organizing tenants.
- ● Passive threats like surveillance or repeated late-night contact
If these actions disturb your peace or pressure you to leave, they may legally qualify as harassment.
What Are My Legal Rights?
Under California Civil Code § 1940.2, landlords may not commit acts intended to influence a tenant to vacate a rental unit through fraud and intimidation or interfere with their right to live peacefully in their rental. If you’ve experienced landlord harassment, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- ● Loss of use of a rent-controlled home.
- ● Partial or full reimbursement of the rent you paid.
- ● Mandatory relocation assistance.
- ● Medical or moving expenses.
- ● Damage to your personal belongings.
- ● Damaged or destroyed personal property.
- ● Lost wages.
- ● Bodily injury.
- ● Emotional harm, such as fear, anxiety, and depression.
- ● Attorney’s fees.
What Should I Do If I’m Being Harassed?
If your landlord is harassing you, take these steps immediately:
Keep detailed records of every incident, including dates, times, and descriptions of the harassment. If possible, gather supporting evidence like emails, text messages, or witness statements. If the harassment involves noise or disturbances, consider recording audio or video (where legally permissible). Check out our guide on collecting evidence.
Write a formal letter to your landlord or property manager describing the harassment and asking for it to stop. Send it by certified mail or email with a read receipt, and keep a copy.
If you feel unsafe or the harassment includes threats or physical harm, contact local law enforcement and file a police report. In extreme cases, you may need to obtain a restraining order.
In some cities, there are local housing authorities or rent boards where you can file a complaint against a landlord for harassment. These agencies can investigate your claims and mediate between you and the landlord.
Contact organizations that offer legal advice or tenant advocacy services. They can provide guidance and help you understand your legal options.
If the harassment persists and other measures are ineffective, speak with a tenant rights attorney to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit for tenant harassment, retaliation, or violation of your rights.
If the harassment is severe and ongoing, you may be able to obtain a restraining order to prevent further harassment. This can apply to both landlords and neighbors.
How Tenant Law Group Can Help?
If your landlord is harassing you, trying to force you out, or violating your rights, Tenant Law Group is here to stand by your side.
We’re a California-based law firm that represents tenants only—never landlords. With deep experience in landlord harassment cases, we know how to take on even the toughest situations.
Our team will help you understand your rights, protect your home, and hold abusive landlords accountable.
Call us Today! Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Tenant Law Group Legal Aid Directory
If you are a California Tenant dealing with habitability issues and Tenant Law Group is unable to represent you directly, the following legal aid and advocacy organizations can assist.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant laws in California and is not intended as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified tenant attorney or local tenant advocacy organization for guidance specific to your situation.
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