Harassment & Retaliation
California law provides strong protections against landlord harassment and retaliation. Landlords cannot punish tenants for exercising their legal rights, and LA's local ordinances add additional safeguards. If you are experiencing harassment or retaliation, there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself.
What Counts as Landlord Harassment
Harassment includes any conduct by a landlord intended to pressure a tenant into vacating. Common examples include threatening or intimidating behavior, entering the unit without proper notice, shutting off utilities or removing amenities, refusing to make necessary repairs, offering buyout agreements with threats or coercion, and filing baseless eviction actions. LA's Anti-Harassment Ordinance (LAMC 45.33) provides additional protections specific to LA tenants.
Retaliation Under California Law
California Civil Code Section 1942.5 makes it illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants who exercise their rights. If a landlord raises rent, decreases services, or files an eviction within 180 days of a tenant complaining about habitability, reporting code violations, or organizing with other tenants, there is a legal presumption that the action is retaliatory. The burden shifts to the landlord to prove a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason.
Illegal Lockouts and Utility Shutoffs
It is a criminal offense in California for a landlord to lock a tenant out, shut off utilities (including water, gas, or electricity), remove doors or windows, or otherwise interfere with the tenant's quiet enjoyment of the property. Under California Penal Code Section 418 and Civil Code Section 789.3, tenants can call the police and seek emergency court orders to be restored to their unit. Landlords who engage in these tactics may face criminal penalties and civil damages.
How to Take Action
Document every incident of harassment or retaliation with dates, times, photos, and witnesses. File a complaint with LAHD and report criminal conduct to the LAPD. You can also file a civil lawsuit seeking damages, including statutory penalties of up to $2,000 per incident under Civil Code 789.3. Free legal assistance is available through the Legal Aid Foundation of LA, Bet Tzedek, and the Housing Rights Center.
Do's & Don'ts
Do
- Document every incident with dates, times, descriptions, photos, and witness names
- Report harassment or illegal lockouts to the police (LAPD) and LAHD
- File a written complaint with LAHD and keep a copy for your records
- Contact a legal aid organization for free legal guidance
- Connect with neighbors and tenant organizations for collective support
Don't
- Retaliate against your landlord or engage in confrontations
- Leave your unit voluntarily under pressure — this may waive your rights
- Accept a buyout or settlement without independent legal advice
- Assume verbal threats or subtle intimidation are not actionable — they may be
- Destroy evidence of harassment, including text messages, emails, and voicemails
Helpful Resources
Need Help? Call Housing Rights Center
(800) 477-5977Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions answered
California Civil Code Section 1940.2 prohibits landlords from using force, threatening statements, or repeated acts to influence a tenant to vacate. LA's local ordinance adds further protections including disruptive construction and cash-for-keys pressure.
It may be. California Civil Code 1942.5 creates a presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 180 days of you exercising a legal right (filing a complaint, requesting repairs, etc.).
File a complaint with LAHD. You can also raise retaliation as a defense in eviction court, or sue your landlord under Civil Code 1942.5 for damages including punitive damages and attorney's fees.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified attorney or one of the free legal services listed above.