At VAM Law, APC, we help tenants who are dealing with unsafe housing conditions, landlord neglect, harassment, retaliation, wrongful eviction threats, and other rental housing disputes.
We understand that many tenants are afraid to complain because they worry their landlord will raise the rent, refuse repairs, threaten eviction, or make their living situation worse. California law gives tenants important protections. Our job is to help you understand your rights, evaluate your situation, and determine whether legal action may be appropriate.
We do not represent landlords against tenants.
Our tenant rights practice is focused on helping renters.
California landlords are required to keep residential rental units safe and well-maintained. This includes basic habitability protections such as safe plumbing, heating, electrical systems, floors, stairs, waterproofing, working locks, and protection from serious pest or vermin problems.
Common tenant habitability problems include:
Tenants should report unsafe conditions in writing and keep photos, videos, text messages, emails, letters, and repair requests. The California Attorney General recommends documenting repair issues and keeping copies of communications with the landlord.
A landlord generally cannot retaliate against a tenant for exercising tenant rights. For example, a landlord may not try to evict a tenant, take away services, remove parking or storage rights, or punish a tenant because the tenant requested repairs or complained about unsafe conditions.
Retaliation can include:
Every case depends on the facts, timing, notices, lease terms, and local laws.
A landlord cannot legally force a tenant out by changing locks, shutting off water or electricity, removing belongings, or blocking access to the rental unit. The lawful eviction process requires court proceedings. The California Courts also warn that landlords cannot lock tenants out, shut off utilities, or throw out belongings to make them leave.
A tenant who has been locked out or threatened with a lockout should seek legal help immediately.
If you receive a notice to pay rent, quit, perform covenant, move out, or court papers for an unlawful detainer, do not ignore it. California eviction cases move quickly.
As of current California Courts guidance, if someone is personally served with eviction court papers, the tenant generally has 10 court days to file an Answer. Different timing may apply if service was by substituted service, posting, mailing, or Safe at Home procedures.
Missing a deadline can result in a default judgment, loss of the right to trial, and possible sheriff lockout.
California’s Tenant Protection Act provides rent cap and just-cause eviction protections for many residential tenants. For covered properties, landlords generally cannot raise rent more than 10% total or 5% plus the percentage change in cost of living, whichever is lower, over a 12-month period.
The law also provides just-cause eviction protections for many tenants after they have lived in the unit for 12 months. Covered landlords must generally have a legally recognized reason to evict, such as nonpayment of rent, breach of a material lease term, nuisance, owner move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from the rental market, or certain other lawful reasons.
Not every rental unit is covered. Some exemptions may apply, including certain newer buildings, certain single-family homes, owner-occupied duplexes, dorms, and other categories.
California law limits how landlords may collect, use, and return security deposits. For most residential rental properties, landlords may only charge a security deposit up to one month’s rent. Landlords may deduct only for lawful purposes such as unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, certain cleaning, and authorized replacement or restoration of landlord-owned property. The landlord must generally return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, and provide an itemized statement within 21 days after the tenant moves out.
Tenants may have additional rights if they are being treated differently because of a protected characteristic, disability, source of income, family status, immigration status, primary language, or other protected grounds. California law also requires residential landlords to provide reasonable accommodations that allow tenants with disabilities to use and enjoy their housing.
Examples may include:
If you are dealing with unsafe housing, landlord harassment, retaliation, or an eviction threat, consider taking these steps:
You do not have to face your landlord alone. If your landlord has ignored unsafe conditions, threatened you, tried to evict you unfairly, or violated your rights, contact VAM Law, APC for a case review.
VAM Law, APC
655 N. Central Avenue, 17th Floor
Glendale, CA 91203
Phone: 844-444-6060
We represent tenants. We do not represent landlords against tenants.
This website provides general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every tenant matter depends on the specific facts, documents, lease terms, notices, local ordinances, and applicable law. Contacting the firm through this website does not make you a client unless and until the firm agrees in writing to represent you.