Could tenant legal advice in California have saved Bradford Berger? Maybe – but no one told him where to find it.
Berger knew trouble was brewing. He watched eight deputies walk across his lawn. His wife was sick, fighting cancer. She didn’t flinch. After 15 years in their San Francisco apartment, it was ending. The rent was late. Bradford was hurt, and his disability check barely covered food. Help was close, but it didn’t matter.
The law says to pay now or leave.
The landlord? A nonprofit. They didn’t care about overdue rent. They didn’t care about illness, either. Minutes later, Bradford and his wife faced homelessness.
Is this legal? Yes. Is it right? Who decides?
Bradford’s story is not unique. In Los Angeles alone, over 166,000 eviction notices went out in 2023-2024. Most were for unpaid rent, and most came from honest individuals trying to stay afloat.
What if your landlord doesn’t wait? What if eviction looms? And what if the law hears only the landlord’s side?
In California, eviction laws move fast. Tenants have just three business days to act. No lawyer? Good luck. Many tenants don’t realize they need to file a reply.
What’s even worse? Some landlords use evictions to intimidate. They scare tenants away or silence complaints. Others aim to profit from empty units.
Is that legal? Sometimes, but not always. And tenants shouldn’t accept it.
They Said It Was $2,400. Then, Came the Trash Fee.
Surprise fees and misleading charges are everywhere.
You signed a lease. The rent was $2,400. Then, there was a “valet trash” fee, a $6 tech fee, and a “required renters portal.” Sounds familiar, right?
You’re not imagining it.
In April 2025, Greystar Real Estate Partners faced a lawsuit in San Diego. Why? Ads with “deceptively low” rent that hid junk fees—think pest control, billing fees, and trash charges. It all adds up.
Tenants’ rights in California are crucial to this fight. The lawsuit claims Greystar broke the law by hiding extra costs within advertised rent.
It isn’t their first rodeo. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Colorado also took action against them this year. They had the same issues. The FTC exposed “hidden fees.” It says renters lost millions to false charges.
How much extra do you pay?
Lawmakers Load Their Muskets. The Fee War Is On.
California is fighting back with real limits.
In April 2025, Assemblymember Matt Haney and Attorney General Rob Bonta introduced AB 1248. What’s the goal? Stop landlords from adding mystery fees to rent.
AB 1248 demands that all fees to be included in the rent. Upfront. No more payment portal fees or sneaky trash bills. Landlords can only charge:
- Rent
- Deposit
- Submetered water
- Stabilization fees (if local laws say so)
This bill isn’t final yet, but it could pass soon. If it does, expect it to take effect on January 1, 2026:
What’s in your lease right now? Did you agree to all of it?
Eviction Roulette: No Lawyer, No Chance
The eviction clock starts now. You have only five days.
In California, tenants facing eviction have only five days to respond to a notice. If they miss it, and the court may favor the landlord. This speed doesn’t allow much room for mistakes, especially without a lawyer.
According to the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, fewer than 5% of tenants nationwide have legal help in eviction cases, but over 80% of landlords do.
This gap leads to unfair outcomes. Tenants without lawyers often struggle to understand the tricky legal process, which results in bad decisions and forced removal.
Lawyers Make a Difference. Big Time.
Having a lawyer can make a difference in eviction cases. Take Philadelphia, for example. The Right to Counsel (RTC) program offers free legal help to eligible tenants facing eviction.
Since its start, eviction filings have dropped by almost 40%. Over 80% of RTC cases have ended with tenants keeping their homes or improving their situations.
This success proves that legal help is essential in eviction cases. If you’re a tenant in California, legal advice isn’t optional—it’s vital.
Eviction Notices: Now With a Breather
Good news. Tenants now have ten days, instead of five, to respond to eviction notices.
Starting January 1, 2025, this change from Assembly Bill 2347 (AB 2347) gives tenants more time. Now, you can seek legal help and get ready to defend yourself. It could decrease the chance of default judgments.
This new time frame benefits those in rural areas or with little access to legal resources. But landlords aren’t excited. They worry it will drag out their efforts to regain their properties.
Security Deposits: Lights, Camera, Accountability
Changes to security deposit laws start on April 1, 2025.
Starting April 1, 2025, California security deposit laws change. Landlords now must take photos when holding back any part of a tenant’s deposit for repairs or cleaning. Assembly Bill 2801 (AB 2801) requires them to photograph the rental unit:
- Before repairs or cleaning commence (within a reasonable time after the tenant vacates).
- After repairs or cleaning are done.
These photos must include a list of deductions. For leases starting on or after July 1, 2025, photos also must show the unit’s condition when tenants move in.
This move promotes fairness. It prevents landlords from making unfair deductions and builds trust between both sides.
Stand Up for Your Rights
Tenant legal advice in California is crucial now more than ever. Rent hikes, surprise costs, and rapid eviction processes can upend lives. Knowing your rights is your best defense.
New laws, like the ten-day response window and the photo requirements for security deposits, offer some help. But more protections are necessary. Tenants still face risks from landlords exploiting laws.
Don’t wait for a court date or the next hidden fee to haunt you. Act now. Protect your rights. The Law Firm for Tenant Rights, Inc. is here to assist. Our skilled tenant lawyers in California ensure you don’t just fight back but win.
Are you facing an eviction notice, surprise fees, or unfair deductions? We’re on your side.
Remember: You hold the power. Don’t settle for less. Contact us and fight for your home and rights today.
