Los Angeles Tenant Rights Lawyer

Protecting Tenants Across Los Angeles with Expert Legal Representation

Tenants in Los Angeles deserve homes where they feel safe, secure, and treated fairly. Unfortunately, some landlords fail to uphold their responsibilities, leading to unsafe living conditions, financial loss, or retaliatory actions. If you are facing challenges with your landlord, you don't have to face them on your own.

At Riley Ersoff, we are a tenant-focused law firm dedicated to protecting tenant rights and never represent landlords or management companies. Our experienced Los Angeles tenant rights lawyers can guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.

Call (888) 658-9695 today or reach out online to speak with experienced Los Angeles tenant rights lawyers dedicated to protecting your rights and securing justice! Hablamos Español.

Why Choose Riley Ersoff as Your Tenant Rights Law Firm?

When dealing with a landlord dispute, working with an experienced law firm can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful outcome. Here's why tenants in Los Angeles trust us to represent them:

• Tenant-Only Representation: We exclusively represent tenants—no landlords—ensuring our complete commitment to protecting your rights without any conflicts of interest.
• Proven Expertise: With years of experience handling landlord-tenant disputes ranging from complex injury cases to everyday habitability issues, we have a record of success in even the most challenging cases. We've recovered over $170 million for our clients.
• Comprehensive Case Experience: Handling serious injuries (lead, carbon monoxide, unsafe conditions), eviction defenses, security deposit recoveries, habitability repairs, harassment, and discrimination cases.
• Compassionate Support: We understand the stress and frustration that come with housing issues. Our team is here to provide not only legal representation but also emotional support throughout your case. We know that your home is more than just property—it's where you and your family should feel safe.
• Free Initial Consultations: Not sure if you have a case? We offer free consultations to evaluate your circumstances and provide honest advice on your next steps. We'll explain your rights and options in plain language.
• No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in California

California law provides tenants with strong protections against landlord misconduct. Whether you're dealing with uninhabitable conditions, wrongful evictions, or deposit disputes, you have the legal right to demand fair treatment. Here are the fundamental tenant rights you should know:

Habitability

Landlords must maintain rental units that meet basic health and safety standards under California Civil Code §1941.1. Essential utilities, such as water and heat, must be functional. This includes:

• Working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Adequate weatherproofing and structural integrity
• Freedom from mold, pest infestations, and lead hazards
• Proper ventilation and sanitation facilities

Anti-Discrimination

Landlords cannot deny housing or treat tenants differently based on race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, or other legally protected categories under the Fair Housing Act and California's Unruh Civil Rights Act.

Privacy

Tenants have the right to privacy in their home under California Civil Code §1954. A landlord can only enter the property with proper 24-hour notice (except in emergencies) and only for specific legally acceptable reasons such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants.

Right to Repairs

If something major breaks in your unit, your landlord is responsible for timely repairs under the warranty of habitability. Landlords must address repair requests within a reasonable time frame, typically 30 days for non-urgent issues.

Freedom from Harassment

Landlords cannot intimidate, threaten, or retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as requesting repairs, reporting unsafe conditions, or joining tenant organizations. California Civil Code §1942.5 specifically prohibits retaliatory evictions.

If your landlord is violating any of these rights, our tenant attorneys in Los Angeles can help you hold them accountable.

Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Los Angeles

The relationship between tenants and landlords can become strained for many reasons. At Riley Ersoff, we have extensive experience handling a wide variety of disputes, including but not limited to these common issues:

Wrongful Evictions and Lockouts

California landlords must follow strict legal procedures before evicting tenants under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and local rent control ordinances. If they attempt to remove you from your rental unit without proper notice, court involvement, or valid grounds, they could be held liable for wrongful eviction. Improper actions such as changing the locks or turning off utilities to force a tenant out are also illegal and can result in significant damages.

Uninhabitable Living Conditions

A landlord is required to provide a rental property that meets basic safety and health codes. Situations like mold infestations, pest problems, broken plumbing, faulty heating systems, or lead paint hazards could qualify as habitability violations. Tenants have the right to withhold rent, make repairs and deduct costs, or pursue legal action if landlords fail to address these issues in a timely manner.

Security Deposit Disputes

Landlords cannot withhold security deposits unfairly. California Civil Code §1950.5 requires them to return your deposit within 21 days of moving out, minus any valid deductions for unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal wear and tear, or actual damages. If a landlord refuses to return your deposit without proper justification or itemized deductions, our tenant rights attorneys can help you recover it—often with additional penalties.

Retaliatory Evictions

If you've made a reasonable complaint about a habitability issue, contacted health inspectors, or exercised your legal rights, landlords are prohibited from retaliating against you under California Civil Code §1942.5. Common retaliatory actions include unjustified evictions, cutting services, raising rent unfairly, or decreasing services.

Failure to Make Repairs

Landlords are legally required to maintain rental units in good repair under the warranty of habitability. From leaky roofs to non-functional appliances, failing to address necessary repairs may violate your rights as a tenant. In Los Angeles, additional city ordinances may apply, including the Rent Stabilization Ordinance requirements.

Discrimination Claims

Housing discrimination is illegal under both federal Fair Housing Act and California's Unruh Civil Rights Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act. If you suspect a landlord has treated you unfairly due to your race, gender, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, or another protected status, you may have a case for discrimination.

Landlord Harassment

Landlords cannot engage in harassment tactics to force tenants to move, including excessive or improper entry attempts, threats, intimidation, or frivolous lawsuits. Los Angeles tenants have additional protections under the city's anti-harassment ordinance.

Rent Control and Eviction Protection Violations

Los Angeles has specific rent stabilization ordinances and just-cause eviction requirements. Landlords must comply with allowable rent increases and can only evict for specific reasons outlined in local ordinances.

Our Comprehensive Tenant Rights Services

At Riley Ersoff, we focus exclusively on advocating for tenants. We never represent landlords or management companies, ensuring our complete loyalty and dedication to clients like you. Here are the comprehensive services we offer to help tenants across Los Angeles:

Personalized Legal Advice

Every tenant dispute is unique. Our attorneys will take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate the details of your situation, and provide tailored advice on the best course of action. We understand California tenant law and Los Angeles-specific ordinances.

Aggressive Advocacy Against Landlord Misconduct

We fight tirelessly to ensure landlords are held accountable for their actions. Whether your case involves unsafe living conditions, harassment, discrimination, or a wrongful eviction, we will build a strong case on your behalf and pursue maximum compensation.

Representation in Court or Negotiation

Whether your case requires litigation or can be resolved through negotiation, our experienced tenant attorneys will represent your interests every step of the way. We come prepared to fight for your rights in court if necessary and have a proven track record in both settlements and trial victories.

Mass Tenant Claims

Living in a property with multiple tenants suffering from similar landlord misconduct? We have extensive experience handling mass tenant claims. By uniting tenants with shared grievances, we can amplify your voice and improve the chances of a favorable resolution for everyone involved.

Knowledge of Local and State Laws

Rental regulations in Los Angeles and across California are extensive and complex, including state habitability laws, local rent control ordinances, and anti-harassment protections. Our attorneys are well-versed in these laws, ensuring that your claim is handled professionally and with full legal understanding.

Bilingual Legal Support

We provide dedicated legal support in both English and Spanish, fostering clear communication and understanding every step of the way. Our bilingual approach ensures that language is never a barrier to getting the legal help you deserve.

Pursue Justice and Compensation for Landlord Negligence

If your landlord's actions have resulted in financial loss, physical harm, or emotional distress, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Damages in tenant rights cases can include:

Economic Damages

• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses: Recover costs for repairs you had to make due to your landlord's failure to act
• Relocation expenses: Cover costs associated with moving out of an uninhabitable or unsafe property
• Lost rent or rent differential: When you have to pay more for comparable housing
• Property damage: Compensation for damaged personal belongings

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: If your living conditions caused emotional distress, anxiety, or other mental anguish
• Loss of use and enjoyment: Compensation for being unable to fully use and enjoy your rental home

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct: Landlords engaged in particularly reckless or malicious behavior may be ordered to pay additional damages as punishment and deterrent.

Statutory Penalties

• Security deposit violations: California law allows tenants to recover up to twice the deposit amount for bad faith retention
• Wrongful eviction penalties: Significant statutory damages for illegal eviction attempts
• Harassment violations: Los Angeles anti-harassment ordinances provide for substantial penalties

Our tenant rights lawyers have successfully recovered substantial compensation for clients in similar situations, including six-figure settlements for habitability violations and discrimination cases. We are ready to do the same for you.

Los Angeles Tenant Resources & Legal References

Important California Tenant Laws

• California Civil Code §1941.1: Warranty of habitability requirements
• California Civil Code §1942.5: Prohibition on retaliatory evictions
• California Civil Code §1950.5: Security deposit law and return requirements
• California Civil Code §1954: Landlord right of entry limitations

Los Angeles City Ordinances

• Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO): Rent control and eviction protections
• Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance: Additional protections against landlord harassment
• Systematic Code Enforcement Program: Housing inspection and compliance requirements

Helpful Resources

• Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA)
• California Department of Consumer Affairs tenant rights information

Contact Riley Ersoff Today

At Riley Ersoff, we recognize the power imbalance that often exists between tenants and landlords. That's why we've dedicated our practice to helping tenants across Los Angeles stand up for their rights. Whether you're dealing with habitability issues, wrongful eviction, harassment, discrimination, or a landlord refusing to return your deposit, we can help.

Don't wait to seek legal advice. Tenant rights cases often have time limits, and evidence can disappear. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case. Together, we can protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

Contact our experienced Los Angeles tenant attorneys today for a free consultation. Call us at (888) 658-9695, or complete our online form to get started.