Los Angeles Landlord Harassment Attorneys

Exclusively Fighting for Tenants Against Abusive Landlords

At Riley Ersoff, we are passionate about protecting the rights of tenants and renters in Los Angeles. Our attorneys exclusively represent tenants — never landlords or property management companies. Over our years of practice, we have recovered more than $175 million for our clients, including substantial victories in tenant harassment cases.

If you're a renter facing harassment or abuse from your landlord, property owner, or property management company, you don't have to deal with it alone. Our experienced tenant rights attorneys help renters fight back using local ordinances like the Los Angeles Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (LAMC 45.33) and other important legal protections.

Call (888) 658-9695 now or contact our Los Angeles tenant harassment lawyers online now for your free consultation. Hablamos Español.

What Is Landlord Harassment Under Los Angeles Law?

Under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 45.33 (the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance), landlord harassment refers to a landlord's bad faith conduct that harms a tenant, including pressuring a tenant to vacate their apartment or waive their rights. Bad faith conduct includes any conduct by a landlord that is willful, reckless, or grossly negligent.

Prohibited landlord harassment takes many forms:

• Cutting off essential services (e.g., water, electricity, gas, parking)
• Deliberately delaying necessary repairs
• Entering your unit without proper 24-hour written notice
• Intimidation, threats, or verbal abuse
• Filing false or frivolous eviction notices
• Offering “cash for keys” without required disclosures
• Retaliating against tenants for asserting their rights or forming tenant associations

These landlord harassment tactics are not just unethical — they are unlawful. Thanks to L.A.'s strong tenant protections, there are powerful legal remedies available to tenants who have been harassed by landlords.

Your Rights Under the Los Angeles Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (LAMC 45.33)

The Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO) was enacted in 2021 and significantly expanded in December 2024. It offers tenants some of, if not the strongest, tenant protections in the country – protections you should know about as a tenant in Los Angeles.

Important TAHO provisions include:

• Applies to all residential units: Whether or not your apartment is rent-controlled, TAHO protections apply to you if you live in the City of Los Angeles.
• Broad definition of harassment: Harassment bad faith conduct, actions, threats, or omissions that interfere with your quiet enjoyment, safety, or housing stability.
• Right to sue for damages: Tenants can file a civil lawsuit and seek actual damages, emotional distress damages, statutory damages (up to $10,000 per violation), court costs, and more. A tenant who prevails in a TAHO action against their landlord is entitled to three times their actual damages.
• Affirmative defense in eviction cases: If you're facing eviction due to landlord harassment, the ordinance allows you to assert harassment as a defense in court.
• Criminal and administrative enforcement: Landlords who violate the ordinance can face misdemeanor charges, penalties imposed by the City of Los Angeles, investigations, and corrective orders through the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD).

If you're facing eviction due to harassment as a tenant, the ordinance allows you to assert harassment as an affirmative defense in court. Additionally, landlords who violate the ordinance can face misdemeanor criminal charges, city penalties and fines, Housing Department investigations, and corrective orders through LAHD.

Common Forms of Tenant Harassment We Handle

Our firm represents Los Angeles tenants who have experienced a wide range of harassment, including:

• Refusing to fix broken plumbing, appliances, or heating/cooling systems
• Frequent or unauthorized entries into your unit
• Threatening calls, texts, or in-person intimidation
• Harassment after asking for repairs or rent reductions
• Pressuring you to take “cash for keys” and vacate without legal disclosures
• Shutting off utilities or locking tenants out
• False accusations of lease violations or illegal activities

If any of these situations sound familiar, you may have a valid harassment claim. Explore your rights with the help of our Los Angeles tenant harassment attorneys. Start by dialing (888) 658-9695.

Why Los Angeles Tenants Choose Riley Ersoff

At Riley Ersoff, we are dedicated exclusively to representing tenants. We never represent landlords or property management companies, so your rights are our only priority. This tenant-only focus ensures no conflicts of interest and allows us to fight fully for renters’ interests.

Tenant-Focused Legal Expertise

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling tenant harassment cases and other landlord-tenant disputes across Los Angeles. We have deep knowledge of:

• LA Municipal Code Section 45.33 (TAHO)
• California Civil Code tenant protections
• Local rent stabilization ordinances
• Federal fair housing laws

This comprehensive understanding enables us to identify all available legal remedies, pursue maximum compensation, and protect tenants from harassment, illegal evictions, and unsafe living conditions.

Proven Results

We have recovered over $170 million for our clients, including significant settlements and judgments in harassment lawsuits. Our trial-ready advocacy ensures landlords take your case seriously and often leads to better settlement offers. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, demonstrating our commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for each client.

Personalized Attention

At Riley Ersoff, you are not just a case file — you’re a neighbor who deserves safe, stable housing. We limit our caseload to ensure every client receives dedicated attention and guidance, unlike larger firms that may treat tenant cases as volume business.

Comprehensive Tenant Support

We help Los Angeles tenants:

• File civil lawsuits under TAHO, pursuing damages, statutory penalties, and attorney fees
• Defend against retaliatory evictions
• Secure repairs, restore essential services, and enforce habitability standards
• Navigate the LAHD complaint process and coordinate with city enforcement actions
• Stop ongoing landlord misconduct through restraining orders, negotiated agreements, and monitoring compliance

Commitment to the Community

We proudly support Los Angeles’ diverse and immigrant communities — almost everyone at our firm speaks Spanish, and we fight tirelessly on behalf of tenants regardless of immigration status.

Accessible and Risk-Free Representation

We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial risk for tenants seeking justice against abusive landlords.

We are proud to represent tenants across Los Angeles, from South L.A. and Koreatown to East L.A. and beyond. If you’ve been harassed or abused by your landlord, talk to us. We’re ready to help.

FAQs About Landlord Harassment in LA

I don't live in a rent-controlled building. Am I still protected by TAHO?

Yes! The Los Angeles Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (LAMC 45.33) applies to all residential units in the City of Los Angeles, regardless of rent control status. This comprehensive protection ensures that every tenant in LA has legal recourse against landlord harassment.

What exactly counts as landlord harassment under LA law?

Harassment includes any bad faith conduct by your landlord, including refusing repairs, entering without notice, making threats, cutting off services, filing frivolous evictions, and more. The law recognizes that harassment can take many forms, and if your landlord is making your living situation uncomfortable, unsafe, or unstable, you likely have a valid legal claim.

Can I sue my landlord for harassment in Los Angeles?

Absolutely. Under LAMC 45.33, you can file a civil lawsuit seeking actual damages, emotional distress damages, up to $10,000 per violation, triple damages (three times your actual damages), and attorney fees and court costs. This comprehensive remedy structure ensures that tenants can obtain meaningful compensation while holding landlords accountable.

What evidence do I need for a harassment case?

Helpful evidence includes photos and videos of conditions, written communications such as texts, emails, and letters, repair requests and landlord responses, witness statements, medical records if applicable, and documentation of financial losses. We can guide you in properly documenting your case to build the strongest possible claim.

What if I've already received an eviction notice?

Landlord harassment serves as an affirmative defense in eviction proceedings under Los Angeles law. We can help you defend against wrongful eviction while simultaneously pursuing your harassment claims, often resulting in the eviction case being dismissed and your landlord paying damages.

How long do I have to file a harassment lawsuit?

While there are statute of limitations considerations, don't wait — evidence can disappear, and harassment often escalates over time. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and document ongoing harassment. Contact us immediately for a free consultation to understand your legal options.

Will my landlord retaliate if I file a complaint?

Retaliation is illegal under both state and local law and gives you additional legal claims with substantial damages. We know how to protect you from retaliation while pursuing your case, and any retaliatory conduct by your landlord only strengthens your legal position and increases potential damages.

Take Action Against Landlord Harassment Today

If you are being harassed by your landlord in Los Angeles, don't wait. The law is on your side — and so are we. The Los Angeles Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance gives you powerful tools to fight back, including damages up to $10,000 per violation, triple damages if you prevail, attorney fees and costs, criminal prosecution of your landlord, and immediate relief from harassment. Let us help you protect your rights, restore your housing security, and hold abusive landlords accountable.

We’re always standing by to help L.A. tenants. Call (888) 658-9695 now for a free consultaiton.

Los Angeles Tenant Resources

• Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) Anti-Harassment Page: housing.lacity.gov/residents/tenant-anti-harassment
• LAHD Tenant Hotline: 1‑866‑557‑7368