Landlord-Tenant Lawyer Santa Ana, CA

Resolving Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, if you are involved in a dispute, our Santa Ana, CA landlord-tenant lawyer is here to help you. Our dedicated lawyers have over two decades of combined experience assisting landlords and tenants in California. We can help you understand your rights and ensure that they are protected as you seek a favorable resolution to your dispute. With experience working with both sides, we have a unique perspective that we can utilize in pursuit of the best possible outcome for you. To learn more about our services and how we can help you with your dispute, contact Katje Law Group today.

How Our Landlord-Tenant Lawyer Can Help You

Our experienced Santa Ana landlord-tenant attorney is adept at assisting clients with a variety of different issues and disputes. We can help you if you require assistance with 3/30/60/90 day notices, buy-outs, bed bug issues, commercial leases, residential leases, return of security deposits, evictions, habitability issues, termination of lease, mold issues, rodent/pest issues, sheriff lockouts, unlawful detainers, and more. 

Our service begins with a consultation in which we will discuss your situation and determine the best steps to take moving forward. We will investigate your case in order to gather evidence to support your claim and prove wrong-doing or liability on the part of the other party. Once we have built your case, we will help you take action. This may be through filing a claim or lawsuit, filing or stopping a motion or process enacted by the other party, or through another legal process. Our dedicated lawyer will be by your side throughout the entirety of the process, fighting hard to deliver the outcome that you deserve.

Assistance With Harassment

Our California landlord-tenant lawyer can also help you in cases where you are being harassed by a landlord. If your landlord is unlawfully entering your unit, threatening you, taking or damaging your property, or violating your rights in some other way, we can help you secure your safety and recover damages for your losses. You have certain rights as a tenant that your landlord must respect, and we will ensure that you are protected if these rights are being threatened. Likewise, if you are a landlord who has been accused of harassment or violating tenant’s rights we can represent you against these allegations. 

The Benefit Of Representing Both Sides

Our firm prides itself on providing first-class, personalized service to all of our clients. Because we represent both landlords and tenants, we have knowledge of each side of landlord-tenant disputes that we can use to help you with your case. Our understanding of these disputes is rooted in decades of experience assisting both landlords and tenants in California. These disputes can often be contentious and extremely difficult for victims. We will work hard to provide the assistance you need to protect your rights, ensure your safety, and move on from a dispute. To discuss your case with our team, contact Katje Law Group today to schedule a consultation. 

When Can A Tenant Sue A Landlord In California?

In California, tenants have specific rights and protections under state law. When these rights are violated, tenants may have grounds to sue their landlord. Understanding these scenarios is crucial for tenants seeking to protect their interests and ensure fair treatment.

If you’re facing one of these situations, you could be well within your rights to file a lawsuit against your landlord for compensatory damages. An experienced Santa Ana, CA, landlord-tenant lawyer from Katje Law Group can evaluate your situation and provide personalized advice about your options, including a suit, or may be able to help you get out of an unfair lease.

Breach Of The Implied Warranty Of Habitability

California law mandates that landlords maintain rental properties in a habitable condition. This includes ensuring that the property has adequate heating, plumbing, electricity, and is free from significant health hazards such as mold, pest infestations, and structural issues. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after being notified, tenants may have grounds to sue for breach of the implied warranty of habitability. This legal action can compel the landlord to make repairs and potentially award the tenant damages.

Unlawful Eviction

A landlord must follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant, including providing proper notice and obtaining a court order. If a landlord attempts to evict a tenant without following these steps, such as changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant’s possessions, the tenant can sue for wrongful eviction. Successful claims can result in compensation for damages, including emotional distress and relocation costs.

Security Deposit Disputes

Landlords are required to return the security deposit, minus any lawful deductions, within 21 days of the tenant moving out. If a landlord fails to return the deposit or makes unjustified deductions, the tenant can sue for the amount withheld. In some cases, if the landlord’s actions are found to be in bad faith, the tenant may be entitled to additional penalties up to twice the amount of the deposit.

Retaliation

It is illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as complaining about unsafe living conditions or participating in tenant unions. Retaliatory actions can include raising rent, reducing services, or attempting eviction without cause. If a tenant experiences retaliation, they can sue the landlord for damages, including punitive damages designed to punish the landlord for their wrongful actions.

Discrimination

Under both federal and California law, landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. If a tenant believes they have been discriminated against, they can file a lawsuit against the landlord.

Failure To Disclose Lead Hazards

Federal law requires landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards in rental properties built before 1978. Failure to provide this disclosure can lead to severe health risks, especially for children. Tenants can sue for any harm caused by exposure to lead and for the landlord’s failure to comply with disclosure requirements.

Have Your Rights As A Tenant Been Violated?

If you’ve suffered at the hands of an unscrupulous landlord, you need a strong legal team on your side. Turn to the professionals at Katje Law Group. A Sana Ana landlord-tenant lawyer from our firm can evaluate your case – in a free initial consultation – and advise you of your options, from demanding compensation to securing safer living accommodations. Call us today.