Jill came back home one day and found her utilities had been shut off. It was the middle of winter. Without a heating system, she worried her kids would get sick. This was the most anxious she had felt in a long time.
Jill is not the only one who has to go through this. Renters all across California experience some form of harassment from their landlords, and in most cases it’s illegal. There are legal protections in place to stop landlords from using intimidating tactics like this.
So, what do tenant harassment laws in California actually say? They make it illegal for a landlord to use threats, force, intimidation, or repeated disruptive behavior to pressure a tenant to move out or give up their legal rights. Under Civil Code §1940.2, a landlord can face a penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation, and many cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Monica, add their own anti-harassment rules on top of state law.
You don’t have to deal with intimidation from your landlord alone. This guide explains what counts as landlord harassment, real examples, the state and local laws that protect you, and exactly what to do if it’s happening to you.
Is Landlord Harassment Illegal in California?
Yes. Several California laws protect tenants from harassment:
- Civil Code §1940.2: makes it illegal for a landlord to use force, threats, or menacing conduct, or to significantly and intentionally interfere with your quiet enjoyment, to influence you to move out. A tenant can recover a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation.
- Civil Code §1942.5: bans retaliation, such as raising rent, cutting services, or trying to evict you because you asked for repairs or exercised your rights.
- Civil Code §789.3: makes lockouts, removing your belongings, and shutting off utilities illegal.
- Civil Code §1954: limits when and how a landlord may enter your home.
- Civil Code §1927: protects your right to the quiet enjoyment of your home.
What Constitutes Landlord Harassment in California?
Tenant harassment can vary greatly. Sometimes it looks like using fear and pressure to push renters out; other times, it’s constant calling or texting at inappropriate hours, or repeated demands to be let in. The goal is usually the same: to make you uncomfortable enough to leave or give up your rights.
In some cases, a landlord might even remove your belongings or change the locks. This is called a self-help eviction, and it’s illegal. A landlord must use the proper legal channels to start the eviction process: first serving a written notice, then filing an unlawful detainer lawsuit and winning in court. Only a sheriff can remove a tenant.
Examples of Landlord Harassment in California
If you’re still unsure what harassment looks like, here are common examples of landlord harassment that California tenants face:
- Shutting off utilities: Cutting off water, heat, gas, or electricity to push you out. This is treated like an illegal lockout.
- Entering without proper notice: Coming into your home without notice or a valid reason. Learn more about when a landlord can enter.
- Changing the locks: Locking you out, or removing doors or windows, without a court order.
- Removing your belongings: Taking or threatening to take your property out of the unit.
- Refusing repairs to pressure you: Ignoring needed repairs so you will give up and leave. See landlord repair responsibilities.
- Threats and verbal abuse: Yelling, insults, or threats meant to scare you.
- Constant contact: Repeated calls, texts, or visits at odd hours to intimidate you.
- Immigration threats: Threatening to report you or your family to immigration authorities.
- False notices or lawsuits: Filing fake eviction notices or lawsuits to frighten you.
- Refusing to accept rent: Rejecting your payment so they can claim you didn’t pay.
- Buyout pressure: Repeatedly pushing you to accept money to move out, or making your life harder after you say no.
- Retaliation: Threatening or punishing you for exercising your rights or asking for reasonable accommodations. Read more about landlord retaliation.
- Creating a hostile living environment: Constant noise, construction, or disruption meant to make your home unlivable.
Many of these actions are illegal under state law, and many cities also treat them as harassment under their local ordinances.
Sexual Harassment by a Landlord
Unwanted sexual comments, advances, or demands for sexual favors in exchange for repairs, rent breaks, or keeping your home are illegal under federal fair housing law and California law. You can report it to the California Civil Rights Department or HUD, and a tenant attorney can help you bring a claim. Our discrimination team handles these cases.
Local Anti-Harassment Ordinances in California
Many California cities have their own tenant anti-harassment laws that go beyond state protections and often let tenants sue for damages and attorney’s fees:
- Los Angeles: the city’s Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance prohibits conduct such as reducing services, refusing repairs, or refusing rent payments to pressure tenants out.
- San Francisco: the Rent Ordinance prohibits harassment and gives tenants strong remedies.
- Oakland: the Tenant Protection Ordinance defines and prohibits harassment and allows tenants to seek damages.
- Santa Monica: in 2025, the city announced a $685,000 settlement and court injunction against a landlord accused of harassing and discriminating against tenants.
- Other cities: Berkeley, Concord, and others have their own rules. Learn about the Concord tenant anti-harassment ordinance.
My Landlord Is Harassing Me – What Should I Do?
If you’re thinking “my landlord is harassing me,” you’re not alone and you have legal options. The first and most important step is documentation. Here’s exactly what to do:
- Record every incident: Write down dates, times, and descriptions of each occurrence, even minor ones. Patterns matter in court.
- Save all communications: Never delete texts or emails. Screenshots are valid evidence.
- Capture visual evidence: Take photos and videos of property damage, and record illegal entries if it’s safe to do so.
- Put requests in writing: Ask your landlord in writing to make repairs or to stop the behavior, and keep a copy. This creates a paper trail.
- Stay calm: Avoid arguments or reacting emotionally, which a landlord could use against you.
- Get a witness: Ask a neighbor or roommate to be present during interactions.
The stronger your documentation, the stronger your case. See our guide on how to document landlord violations.
How to Report Tenant Harassment
- File a complaint with your city’s housing department or rent board, if your city has one.
- Report discrimination or sexual harassment to the California Civil Rights Department or HUD.
- Contact a tenant rights attorney, who can send a demand letter, represent you, and file a lawsuit if needed.
Can I Call the Police If My Landlord Is Harassing Me?
Yes, if you are threatened with violence, feel unsafe, or your landlord is breaking into your home. Call 911 in an emergency. Police may also help with an illegal lockout, although many treat landlord disputes as civil matters. For ongoing harassment, a tenant attorney and a written record of every incident are usually more effective.
At The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc., we make sure your rights are upheld and your landlord is held accountable. Learn about our landlord harassment and constructive eviction representation.
Harassment, Bad Faith, and Constructive Eviction
When harassment makes your home so unlivable that you feel forced to leave, it may be a constructive eviction, which means the law can treat it like an illegal eviction even though you moved out yourself. Courts also look closely at whether a landlord acted in bad faith, for example by using a false reason to evict or deliberately making conditions worse. Bad-faith conduct can increase the damages a landlord has to pay. If you’re thinking about moving out because of harassment, talk to a lawyer first so you don’t lose important rights.
Can You Sue a Landlord for Harassment?
Yes, you can sue a landlord for harassment in California. If a landlord is found responsible, a court may order them to pay:
- Compensation for your actual financial losses
- Damages for emotional distress
- Civil penalties, such as up to $2,000 per violation under Civil Code §1940.2
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs, where the law allows
- Additional damages and penalties under local ordinances
In severe cases, some conduct can also lead to criminal charges. For a step-by-step guide, see how to sue your landlord for harassment in California.
Can Your Landlord Retaliate for Reporting Harassment?
No. Under Civil Code §1942.5, a landlord cannot raise your rent, cut services, or try to evict you because you complained, reported harassment, or used your legal rights. If a landlord takes action against you within 180 days after you made a complaint, the law may presume it was retaliation.
Hostile Living Environment and Harassment by Another Tenant
If a tenant is harassing another tenant, you should document the incidents, notify your landlord in writing, and report the behavior to your local housing authority. Every tenant has a right to the quiet enjoyment of their home. If your landlord knows that a neighbor or co-tenant is creating a hostile living environment and fails to act, the landlord may be held responsible.
- Document every incident: Record dates, times, and details of each occurrence.
- Notify your landlord in writing: This creates a paper trail and puts the landlord on notice.
- File a complaint with local housing authorities: If your landlord fails to act, escalate to your city’s housing department or rent board.
- Consult a tenant rights lawyer: A tenant attorney can explain your remedies and take action if the problem continues.
Can a Tenant Be Evicted for Harassing Another Tenant?
Yes, in certain situations. If a tenant engages in threats, intimidation, discrimination, stalking, or repeated disturbances, the landlord will usually first serve a notice to cure or quit. If the behavior continues or violates the lease, the landlord may begin the eviction process through an unlawful detainer lawsuit. Documented complaints, witness statements, and incident reports may be used as evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Landlord harassment is illegal in California under Civil Code §1940.2 and related laws.
- Common examples include utility shutoffs, lockouts, illegal entry, threats, and refusing repairs to pressure you.
- Landlords can face penalties of up to $2,000 per violation, plus damages and attorney’s fees.
- Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Monica add stronger local protections.
- Document everything and talk to a tenant lawyer before moving out.
You Are Not Alone!
Tenants should never have to face harassment in their own homes. The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc. protects renters from unfair treatment, intimidation tactics, and abuse. Call us today or schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is landlord harassment in California?
Landlord harassment is when a landlord intentionally tries to pressure, intimidate, or force a tenant to move out or give up their rights through illegal means such as threats, utility shutoffs, lockouts, or constant disturbances.
Is tenant harassment illegal in California?
Yes. Civil Code §1940.2 prohibits landlord harassment aimed at forcing a tenant out, Civil Code §1942.5 prohibits retaliation, and many cities have their own anti-harassment ordinances.
What are some examples of landlord harassment?
Common examples include entering without proper notice, cutting off water or electricity, changing the locks, threats, immigration threats, refusing repairs to pressure you, refusing rent, and filing false eviction notices. Mental harassment, such as persistent intimidation, can also be illegal.
What should I do if my landlord is harassing me?
Document everything, put your requests in writing, report the behavior to your city’s housing department or rent board, and contact a tenant rights attorney.
Can I call the police if my landlord is harassing me?
Yes, if you are threatened, feel unsafe, or your landlord is breaking in. Call 911 in an emergency. For ongoing harassment, a tenant attorney is usually more effective.
What penalties can a landlord face for harassment?
Under Civil Code §1940.2, a landlord can face a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation, plus damages, attorney’s fees where allowed, and additional penalties under local ordinances.
Can I sue my landlord for harassment and emotional distress?
Yes. If harassment caused financial loss or emotional harm, you may be able to recover compensation through a lawsuit. Learn more about suing your landlord for harassment.
Can my landlord evict me for reporting harassment?
No. Retaliation for exercising your tenant rights, such as reporting harassment or unsafe conditions, is illegal in California.
Is sexual harassment by a landlord illegal?
Yes. Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or demands for sexual favors by a landlord are illegal under federal and California fair housing laws.
Are there extra protections in certain California cities?
Yes. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Monica, Berkeley, and other cities have local ordinances with extra protections and penalties.
What is constructive eviction?
Constructive eviction happens when a landlord’s actions, such as harassment or refusing serious repairs, make a home so unlivable that the tenant is forced to leave. The law may treat it like an illegal eviction.
Is it harassment if my landlord refuses to make repairs?
It can be. If a landlord ignores repairs to pressure you to move out or to punish you for complaining, it may count as harassment or retaliation under California law.
