Oakland Tenant Harassment Lawyers

Most Oakland Tenants are protected under local rental laws. Included is the right to bring a lawsuit against a landlord that is harassing you. Your landlord can not display forceful, threatening, or menacing conduct toward you, use any aggressive methods to get you to comply with their wishes, or act in any way that interferes with your “quiet enjoyment of the premises.”  In most cases, the goal of the harassment is to get you to move out.

Harassment by a landlord is illegal. At Wolford Wayne LLP, we represent Oakland tenants who have been illegally evicted from their homes, including those forced to leave a rent-controlled unit due to harassment from their landlord. Our dedicated tenant’s rights law firm has extensive experience representing tenants in Oakland, and we never represent landlords so you never have to wonder whose side we are on. Unlike many law firms ALL we do is represent tenants. If you believe your landlord is attempting to force you out with harassing behavior, contact our office today to learn how we may be able to help. 

Why Do Landlords Harass Tenants?

Most rental units in Oakland are subject to the city’s Rent Adjustment Program, which limits a landlord’s ability to raise rent on an occupied unit. This means landlords are especially motivated to replace long-term tenants so they can raise the rent. Without a legitimate reason to evict a tenant, some landlords will do their best to make tenants feel uncomfortable enough to move out on their own. Unfortunately, many tenants are not aware of their rights in this situation, and landlords take advantage of that.

What Should You Do If You Are Being Harassed By Your Landlord?

The first thing you should do if you are being harassed by your landlord is to contact an Oakland tenant’s rights attorney.  

In addition to speaking with an attorney, there are a few other things you can do to help your case:

• Keep records of every instance of harassment. Make sure to note the date, time, location, description of the incident, and any witnesses. If possible, get the contact information of any witnesses and provide that to your attorney.
• Keep copies of any emails, phone messages, letters, or other communication you receive from your landlord.
• Memorialize any verbal harassment with a letter or email.
• Take photos or videos of any parts of the rented property that are damaged or not working and that are not being repaired.
• Your safety and well-being are most important. If you feel that you or your family are unsafe in the home, it may be necessary to leave and pursue a wrongful eviction action against your landlord. Before you do though, be sure to talk through it with a lawyer to preserve your case.

Contact An Oakland Tenant Harassment Lawyer

If you or a loved one is being harassed by a landlord, don’t wait any longer. At Wolford Wayne LLP, our experienced team of tenant’s rights attorneys is here to help you. We only represent tenants in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, so you’ll never have to worry about whose side we’re on. Contact us today to get more information about what we do and to discuss your legal situation.