At Wolford Wayne LLP, we believe that feeling safe and secure in your home is a fundamental right. This is why we’ve devoted our careers to representing tenants in the San Francisco Bay Area and protecting their rights. We focus on you, the tenant. We believe in tenants’ rights and only represent tenants, never landlords, so you can be sure we’re on your side. Our firm brings over 35 years of combined experience to your case. We will passionately advocate for your rights.
Berkeley has a local rent ordinance that provides protection for most tenants. These protections include rent control and “just cause” for eviction . Berkeley’s rent ordinance details twelve “just causes,” or reasons for eviction:
It is unlawful for a landlord to evict a tenant in Berkeley without proper notice and a just cause for eviction. For example, your landlord cannot simply tell you that you have to move out. They have to have one of the above listed justifications to evict you, and follow the proper legal process. A tenant who has been forced to vacate without a just cause may have grounds to sue for wrongful eviction.
If you have been forced to vacate by a landlord who has acted in bad faith or with dishonest intent, you may be eligible for compensation under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance. Compensation may include actual damages suffered by you due to wrongful eviction and attorney fees. If you are able to show sufficient evidence that the landlord’s actions were willful, you could be entitled to three times the actual damages suffered.
A constructive eviction occurs when a tenant is forced to move out of their rent-controlled home due to their landlord’s actions or inactions. Common causes of constructive eviction include:
If you have been forced out of your home unlawfully reach out to us to set up a free consultation. At Wolford Wayne LLP, we are committed to fighting for your interests. We understand how stressful landlord-tenant disputes can be, and we know the law is complex. Let us fight your legal battle, so you can focus on your well-being and the well-being of your family.
For more information or to discuss your legal situation, call us today at (415) 649-6203 for a phone consultation or submit an inquiry below. Please note our firm can only assist tenants residing in San Francisco, Oakland & Berkeley.