WHAT IS HARASSMENT?

Landlords who can’t legally evict you may try and harass you to get you to move out. Harassment can include verbal and physical threats and assault, neglecting repairs, intentionally disturbing your peace and quiet, refusing to accept rent, giving you less than 24-hours notice to enter your home for non-emergencies, threatening to disclose your immigration or citizenship status, trying to coerce you to move out, and serving an eviction notice based on false reasons.

If You Live in the City of Los Angeles

Harassing a renter for any reason is illegal in the City of Los Angeles under the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance. Renters have the right to sue landlords who harass them. 

Thanks to funding from Measure ULA, the city now has a dedicated website for tenants facing harassment. You can get more information about what constitutes harassment, your tenant rights, and how to file a complaint by clicking here.

If You Live in Unincorporated Los Angeles County

Harassing a tenant for any reason is illegal in unincorporated Los Angeles County under the County of Los Angeles Retaliatory Eviction and Anti-Harassment Ordinance. Renters have the right to sue landlords who harass them.

If you are being harassed and live in unincorporated Los Angeles County, you can file a complaint with the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs by clicking here.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HARASSMENT

• If you feel you are in physical danger, call 911. 
• Keep detailed records of each incident, including the date and time it occurred, statements from witnesses, and pictures. These can be used in court if you decide to sue your landlord or if your landlord tries to evict you.
• You can send a Notice of Privacy letter to your landlord if they are entering your unit without advance notice in writing

If you are being harassed, do not move out! You can: 

Attend one of SAJE’s Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance Clinics to learn about your rights and how to fight back. Email info@saje.net for more information. 

You can also attend a Stay Housed LA workshop to learn about your rights and how to fight back.