Facing Wrongful Eviction?
Know Your Tenant Rights in California
What Is Wrongful Eviction?
Before a landlord or property manager can evict a tenant, they must first provide a notice of termination or notice to quit to the tenant. While there are some cases where evicting a tenant is lawful, all too often, landlords will illegally evict lower-paying tenants from rent-controlled apartments. They hope that the tenants will give up and leave.
We can handle any wrongful eviction case.
‣ Owner-move-in eviction violations;
‣ Relative-move-in eviction violations;
‣ Ellis Act eviction violations;
‣ Costa-Hawkins Act violations;
‣ Tenant forced out because of a repair issue;
‣ Tenant not offered a rent-controlled unit after a major event, such as a fire or earthquake;
‣ Landlord harassment; and
‣ Neighbor harassment or a nuisance that isn’t dealt with.
Legal Options Against Illegal Evictions
Fighting Frivolous Eviction Lawsuits
If your landlord has filed a frivolous or illegal eviction lawsuit against you, you do have options, and you can fight for your rights.
Illegal Lockouts and Utility Shut-offs
If your landlord has forced you out of your apartment by shutting off utilities or water or locking you out of your unit, you do have legal options to fight back and protect yourself as a renter.
Consulting a Tenant Lawyer
When you are in dispute with your landlord, it is worth speaking with a tenant lawyer to find out what your rights are and to determine what damages you are entitled to.
What is the Ellis Act?
The Ellis Act is a California law that states that landlords have the right to evict tenants to “go out of business”. The landlord must remove all their units in the building from the rental market. This means that all of the tenants must be evicted. A single tenant or several units cannot be left behind.
The purpose of this act is to change the purpose of the building. For example, if a rental unit is being converted into condominiums, tenants will need to be evicted per the Ellis Act. The act may also cover multi-unit buildings being converted into homes or mansions.
How Does the Ellis Act Work?
Landlords may issue warnings to tenants regarding Ellis evictions via phone or letter as a scare tactic. In some cases, the letters are mistaken for official eviction notices, so the renters move out and the landlords end up re-renting the unit for a higher price.
If a landlord is truly evicting you because of reasons related to the Ellis Act, you will receive an official eviction notice, not a warning or an advisory. Be sure to read all the paperwork and emails from your landlord carefully. If you do not receive an official eviction notice or have been threatened with the Ellis Act, file a “Tenant Report of Alleged Wrongful Eviction” with the San Francisco Rent Board. The protection of your tenant’s rights is only valid in this circumstance if you have adequate documentation with the city of San Francisco.
We Believe in Holding Corrupt Landlords Accountable
Fighting an illegal eviction can seem time consuming and overwhelming. This doesn’t have to be the case. At Tenant Law Group, our wrongful eviction lawyers in San Francisco believe in making the legal process of fighting an unscrupulous landlord easier for the tenant. When you work with us, you and your best interests become our priority.
We are committed to social justice and to the ideal that all members of our community, regardless of financial resources, are entitled to strong legal representation.
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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