The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc. is a California law firm that represents only renters, never landlords. We help tenants with wrongful evictions, unsafe living conditions, landlord harassment, illegal lockouts, housing discrimination, illegal rent increases, and other housing disputes, so you can stay in your home or get justice if you’ve already been displaced. Consultations are free, and qualifying cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis.
Renting a home doesn’t always go smoothly. Your landlord may not fix a problem, you may face an eviction, or you may get a notice you don’t understand. We fight for renters who feel ignored, mistreated, or worried about losing their home, so you don’t have to handle it alone.
Always on the Tenant’s Side
Some law firms represent both landlords and tenants. We don’t. We stand with renters from start to finish; this is all we do.
Our team is led by founder Rahman Popal, who was named a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2020 to 2023 and selected to the Northern California Super Lawyers list in 2024. We built our practice to give renters a voice.
What Problems Do We Help Tenants With?
- Wrongful evictions: landlords who try to force you out without a legal reason or the proper process. See wrongful evictions.
- Unsafe living conditions: mold, leaks, broken heat, pests, or repairs that never get done. See habitability and bad faith repairs.
- Harassment and constructive eviction: threats, unannounced visits, or pressure to make you leave. See landlord harassment and constructive evictions.
- Illegal lockouts: locks changed or utilities shut off to push you out. See our illegal lockout guide.
- Housing discrimination: unfair treatment because of race, disability, family status, or another protected trait. See discrimination.
- Illegal rent increases and rent board cases: increases above state or local limits, and petitions before local rent boards. See representation at the rent board.
- Nuisance neighbors and noise: ongoing disturbances your landlord refuses to address. See nuisance and noise disturbances.
- Injuries from unsafe conditions: harm caused by a landlord’s failure to keep the property safe. See premise liability and personal injury.
- Live/work units: disputes over spaces used as both home and workplace. See live/work units.
If you don’t see your exact situation here, that’s all right. Housing problems rarely fit into neat boxes, and we’ll help you make sense of yours.
Why Tenants Get Pushed to the Edge
High rents in California lead to more disputes between renters and landlords. We regularly see eviction notices, ignored repairs, and landlords trying to replace long-term tenants with someone who will pay more. Many renters don’t know their rights under laws like AB 1482, and landlords often count on that. When you know your rights and have someone backing you up, you have more options.
How We Guide You Through Your Case
- We listen. You tell us what’s going on, and we ask questions to understand it fully.
- We review your documents, including your lease, notices, and messages with your landlord.
- We explain your rights in plain language and the steps you can take next.
- We build a plan with you, whether that means fighting to keep you in your home or seeking compensation if you’ve already had to leave.
Legal Help Without Upfront Fees
Many tenants hesitate to get help because they fear legal bills. Your first consultation is free, and in qualifying cases we work on a contingency basis, which means there are no upfront legal fees and our fee depends on the outcome of your case. You may still be responsible for case costs, and we’ll explain exactly how fees and costs work before you decide anything.
Where We Represent Tenants
Based in San Francisco, we represent tenants in cities across California, from the Bay Area to Los Angeles and beyond, by phone, video, and in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc. actually do?
We represent tenants in California with housing problems, including evictions, unsafe living conditions, landlord harassment, illegal lockouts, discrimination, and rent increases.
Do you represent landlords too?
No. We represent tenants only.
How much does it cost to work with you?
The first consultation is free, and qualifying cases are handled on a contingency basis with no upfront legal fees. You may still be responsible for costs, and we’ll explain how fees and costs work during your consultation.
What areas of California do you serve?
We represent tenants throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, San Jose, and many other communities.
Can you help with a rent board case?
Yes. We represent tenants at local rent boards, including petitions over rent increases and reduced housing services.
What if I’ve already been evicted? Is it too late to get help?
No. If you’ve already been displaced, you may still be able to seek compensation, for example in a wrongful eviction claim. We can review your situation.
Who leads the firm?
The firm was founded and is led by tenant rights attorney Rahman Popal.
How do I get started?
Contact us or call 866-939-8224 for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation and help you understand your options.
Standing With You When Home Feels Uncertain
Everything we do comes back to one goal: helping renters across California understand and use the protections the law provides. Whether you’re fighting to keep your home or seeking justice after being displaced, you’re not alone. Have another question? See all our tenant rights FAQs.