If you're renting a home in California and dealing with eviction threats, harassment from your landlord, or unsafe living conditionsâyou are not alone. The Golden State has some of the most progressive tenant protections in the U.S., but knowing your rights is the first step to defending them.
Whether you're struggling with sudden eviction notices, intimidation tactics, or a broken heater that your landlord wonât fix, this guide will help you understand what you can doâand where to find help.
đŤ Facing Eviction? Know Your Rights
Under California law, your landlord cannot just kick you out without causeâespecially if you've lived in your home for more than 12 months. Thanks to AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act), tenants across much of the state are entitled to:
"Just cause" for eviction (e.g., nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, or owner move-in)
Proper written notice (usually 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the situation)
No retaliation for exercising legal rights
If you're being threatened with eviction:
Do not ignore court documentsârespond promptly.
Document all communications with your landlord.
Seek legal aid immediately.
â ď¸ Experiencing Landlord Harassment?
Landlord harassment is illegal in California. This includes:
Entering your unit without proper notice
Shutting off utilities to force you out
Intimidating or threatening you
Refusing to make necessary repairs
Under California Civil Code 1940.2, these actions can be grounds for legal action and even financial compensation.
â What you can do:
Keep records of all incidents (photos, texts, letters).
Send written requests to stop harassment.
Contact local tenant unions or legal aid organizations.
đď¸ Living in Unsafe Conditions?
You have the right to a habitable homeâthat means working plumbing, heat, electricity, and no infestations. If your unit is unsafe:
1. Notify your landlord in writing and give them time to fix it.
2. If they ignore the problem, you may be able to:
File a complaint with your local code enforcement office
Withhold rent (with caution and legal advice)
Pay for repairs and deduct the cost from your rent (under specific conditions)
đ ď¸ Unsafe conditions could include:
Mold
Leaking roofs
Faulty wiring
Broken heaters or stoves
đ§ Where to Get Help
You don't have to handle this alone. Free or low-cost resources are available across California:
Legal Aid at Work â https://legalaidatwork.org
California Rural Legal Assistance â https://crla.org
Tenants Together â https://tenantstogether.org
Eviction Defense Network (Los Angeles) â https://edn.la
Renter Attorneys - https://www.renterattorneys.com/
Also check with your city or county housing departmentâmany local governments have emergency protections and tenant advocacy programs.
â You Have PowerâUse It
Renting in California doesnât mean living in fear or poor conditions. The law is on your sideâbut only if you know how to use it.
Speak up. Document everything. Seek support.
You deserve a safe, stable home.
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DISCLAIMER: This site provides general information and isnât legal advice. Contacting us doesnât create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, so results may vary. Please consult with us directly for advice about your situation.