Los Angeles Landlord Harassment Lawyer

As a tenant, you have certain rights that should be respected. However, not all landlords acknowledge these rights, and some may resort to harassment to prevent you from exercising them. Anytime a landlord intentionally creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment to pressure a tenant, it is harassment. If you are experiencing this behavior, a Los Angeles landlord harassment lawyer could help you stand up for yourself and hold your landlord accountable. Reach out to CD Law today to begin working with a trusted habitability attorney.

Understanding Landlord Harassment

Anytime a landlord intentionally acts to annoy, bother, or disturb a tenant, it is harassment. Usually, landlords engage in this behavior to try to force tenants to accept sub-par living conditions or move out of the rental property. Proving the landlord’s motivations is not essential in a harassment case. Some examples of harassment include unnecessary or excessive entry, threats or intimidation, shutting off utilities, refusing repairs, unlawful eviction attempts, or excessive noise or construction.

Unnecessary Entry

Landlords have limited rights to enter occupied rental properties. Generally, they cannot enter the home without proper notice unless it is an emergency. Unannounced non-emergency visits violate privacy. Frequent visits, even if announced, can violate privacy, too.

Threats

Threats can be the most apparent type of harassment. Threats can be verbal or written. They can also be subtle, not just overt. Any attempt to intimidate a tenant to move out or comply with unfair demands is harassment.

Shutting Off Utilities

Sometimes, landlords will try to shut off a tenant’s utilities. There are particular rules about when a landlord can cut off utilities for non-payment of rent. Otherwise, a landlord has no right to cut off water, gas, or electricity to make a tenant’s living conditions unbearable.

Refusing Repairs

Landlords have a responsibility to make necessary repairs for tenants. Ignoring requests for necessary repairs or failing to maintain the property can be a pressure tactic.

Unlawful Eviction Attempts

Sometimes, landlords move straight to outright illegal behavior. Unlawful eviction attempts are when a landlord attempts to remove a tenant without following legal eviction procedures. This is not just harassment—it is absolutely illegal.

Other actions may count as harassment as well, including unreasonable rent spikes and more. An LA landlord harassment attorney could explore the facts and help determine if behavior crosses the line to harassment.

Handling Landlord Harassment

It can be challenging to know whether a landlord is engaging in intentional harassment or is just an annoying person. As a result, determining whether specific actions are considered harassment may require looking at the entire picture. However, some things—like illegal eviction attempts—do not require a pattern of behavior to prove harassment.

The first thing a tenant should do if they are experiencing harassment is document it. Keep detailed records of all incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions of what occurred. Tenants should save any texts, emails, or letters from their landlords.

Tenants should also report the incidents. The local housing authority takes complaints about landlord harassment, though they may not supply substantial relief. Some tenant rights organizations may be able to provide some assistance.

Finally, Los Angeles tenants experiencing landlord harassment should contact a lawyer. Even if tenants do not want to take legal action, lawyers can help them understand their rights and options. Necessary steps may include requesting a restraining order, suing the landlord for damages, recovering rent reductions, or even seeking monetary penalties for landlord harassment.

Schedule a Consultation With a Los Angeles Landlord Harassment Attorney

At CD Law, we believe that landlord harassment should not be your responsibility. You deserve a safe and comfortable living environment, and we are here to help you fight for it. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a Los Angeles landlord harassment lawyer.