Tenant Lawyer, Los Angeles
If you’re unable to resolve a problem with your landlord in Los Angeles, a tenant lawyer may be able to help settle the matter.
Landlord-tenant disputes often involve disagreements regarding the lease agreement, evictions, and security deposits. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common disputes.
Tenant Lawyer Los Angeles
If you’re experiencing a problem with your landlord and you’re unable to resolve the dispute on your own, a tenant lawyer will be able to help.
An experienced tenant lawyer is able to help you with complicated and challenging issues relating to your rental property and agreement with your landlord. A few of the most common landlord-tenant disputes include the following:
- Evictions
- Illegally entering the property
- Discrimination
- Failure to repair the property
- Failure to address pest infestations
- Failure to resolve mold
- Personal injury due to negligence
- Property damage
- Withholding security deposit
The key to resolving a landlord-dispute successfully is knowing where to find an experienced tenant lawyer.
So, where do you start your search?
The SFVBA Attorney Referral Service is certified by the State Bar of California and meets the American Bar Association standards for lawyer referral. With a comprehensive membership of over 150 well-established attorneys in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, we can help connect you with the best tenant lawyer Los Angeles has to offer.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes in California
One of the most common legal matters between landlords and tenants involved a landlord-tenant dispute.
There are federal, state, and local laws that regulate the actions of both a landlord and tenant when renting a house or apartment. Not following these rules, or breaching a lease contract, can quickly lead to a landlord-tenant dispute.
If not resolved, this type of dispute can escalate and eviction proceedings may begin.
Disputes can become expensive if not resolved quickly.
Seeking the help of an experienced attorney early may help you resolve the dispute more efficiently.
Related: What Are My Rights as a Tenant in California?
What is a Court-Administered Eviction?
Strict laws regulate eviction proceedings in California.
By requiring all eviction processes to be court-administered, California is ensuring the tenant has an opportunity to argue their side of the dispute before the judge. This prevents unscrupulous landlords from locking tenants out, turning off utilities or seizing belongings in order to force the tenant from the residence.
The eviction process begins with a three-day notice.
If this notice does not lead to the payment of rent in full or a voluntary move, the landlord would then file an unlawful detainer lawsuit against the tenant. Once a summons is received, the tenant typically has five days to file a response. All eviction cases are usually heard within the month, and the judge will hand down his decision at that time.
What are the Possible Outcomes?
There are two possible outcomes from an eviction hearing.
When the judge rules in favor of the tenant, the eviction is halted. The landlord may be held responsible for all court costs, and may also be asked to pay attorney fees on behalf of the tenant. If any improper conduct was committed in an attempt to illegal force the tenant from the property, other fines may also apply.
When the court rules in favor of the property owner, a writ of possession will be issued. This document gives the tenant five days to leave the rental unit voluntarily. If this does not occur, they may be removed by the sheriff. The tenant may also be required to pay any rent due, damages, attorney fees, and court costs.
Find A Tenant Lawyer Today
The state of California requires landlords to follow strict procedures while operating a rental property. If you’re unable to resolve a dispute with your landlord or believe he or she is breaking the law, we can help.
The SFVBA Attorney Referral Service we’ll help find a tenant lawyer in Los Angeles for you.
Call (818) 340-4529 to get started.
