Hovssepian Law  ·  Landlord Tenant Law

Landlord Tenant Law
Attorney in California

Whether you are a tenant facing an unlawful eviction or a landlord dealing with a difficult tenancy, Hovssepian Law provides experienced legal representation in California landlord-tenant disputes throughout California.

✅ Tenants & Landlords Represented ⚖️ California Civil Code Expertise 📍 Glendale, CA, Serving All of California 📞 Free Case Evaluation

California Landlord Tenant Law

Know Your Rights Under California Law

California has some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation. The California Civil Code §§ 1940–1954.05, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), and local rent control ordinances provide tenants with robust rights against unlawful evictions, uninhabitable conditions, and excessive rent increases.

At the same time, California law provides landlords with legal tools to address non-payment of rent, property damage, lease violations, and unlawful holdovers through the unlawful detainer process under Code of Civil Procedure § 1161.

Whether you are a tenant whose rights have been violated or a landlord navigating a difficult tenancy, Hovssepian Law provides clear, experienced legal guidance throughout the Los Angeles County area.

Landlord Tenant Quick Facts

  • 📋 Key law: CA Civil Code §§ 1940–1954.05
  • 🏠 Eviction process: CCP § 1161 (Unlawful Detainer)
  • 🔧 Habitability: Civil Code § 1941
  • 💰 Rent control: AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act)
  • 🔒 Security deposit: Max 2 months rent (unfurnished)
  • ⏱️ Return deposit: Within 21 days of move-out
  • 📞 Free case evaluation, call (323) 410-0100
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Who We Represent

We Represent Both Tenants and Landlords

Hovssepian Law handles landlord-tenant matters from both sides of the dispute.

For Tenants

Protecting your right to safe, habitable housing

  • →Wrongful Eviction Defense, Fighting illegal evictions and retaliatory eviction attempts
  • →Habitability Claims, Mold, pest infestation, broken heat/plumbing, unsafe conditions
  • →Unlawful Detainer Defense, Representing tenants in eviction court proceedings
  • →Security Deposit Recovery, Recovering wrongfully withheld deposits with statutory damages
  • →Rent Control Violations, Challenging illegal rent increases under AB 1482 and local ordinances
  • →Harassment by Landlord, Stopping illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, and harassment campaigns

For Landlords

Protecting your property and investment

  • →Unlawful Detainer Actions, Filing and prosecuting eviction proceedings under CCP § 1161
  • →Non-Payment of Rent, Pursuing eviction and judgment for unpaid rent and damages
  • →Lease Violations, Evicting tenants for material lease violations and nuisance conduct
  • →Property Damage Claims, Recovering compensation for tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear
  • →Holdover Tenants, Removing tenants who refuse to vacate after lease expiration
  • →Lease Agreement Review, Drafting and reviewing lease agreements to protect your interests

Key California Tenant Protections

What California Law Protects You From

California provides tenants with some of the most comprehensive housing protections in the United States.

Right to Habitable Housing

Under Civil Code § 1941, landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including weatherproofing, working plumbing, heating, and freedom from pest infestations. Tenants may withhold rent or repair-and-deduct for habitability failures.

Protection from Wrongful Eviction

Under the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), covered tenants can only be evicted for "just cause." Landlords cannot evict tenants in retaliation for asserting their rights or complaining about habitability issues under Civil Code § 1942.5.

Rent Control Protections

AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% + local CPI (max 10%) for covered units. Los Angeles also has its own Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) providing additional protections for qualifying tenants.

Security Deposit Rights

Landlords may collect a maximum of 2 months' rent as a security deposit (unfurnished) and must return it within 21 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding can result in up to twice the deposit in damages.

Protection from Harassment

Landlords cannot harass tenants through illegal lockouts, removal of belongings, utility shutoffs, or intimidation. California law provides strong remedies including injunctive relief and punitive damages under Civil Code § 789.3.

Right to Privacy

Under Civil Code § 1954, landlords may only enter a rental unit with 24 hours' advance written notice and only for specific legally permitted purposes. Unauthorized entry is a violation of tenant privacy rights.

Common Questions

Landlord Tenant Law FAQs

Can my landlord evict me without a reason in California?+
What can I do if my landlord won't make repairs?+
How much notice does a landlord have to give before eviction in California?+
Can my landlord keep my security deposit in California?+
What is an unlawful detainer action in California?+
Is mold in my apartment a legal issue in California?+

Facing a Landlord Tenant Dispute? Let's Talk.

Free evaluation for tenants and landlords throughout California.