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, threatening to disclose immigration or citizenship status, and serving an eviction notice based on false reasons.

If You Live in the City of Los Angeles

Harassing a tenant for any reason is illegal in the City of Los Angeles under the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance. Residents have a right to sue their landlords for harassment.

Harassment can be either a criminal misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine for each offense), or a civil violation (damages, rent refunds for reduction in housing services, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, fine of up to $10,000 per violation, or tenant relocation).

If you are being harassed and live in the City of Los Angeles, you can file a complaint by calling the Los Angeles Housing Department (866) 557-7368 or 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. Residents have a right to sue their landlords for harassment. 

Harassment can be grounds for a civil action resulting in damages and penalties between $2,000 and $5,000 per violation. If the tenant is older than sixty-two (62) or disabled, the court may award an additional civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation.

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.