Understanding Tenant Rights

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Representing Tenants in Los Angeles

Growing up in Santa Monica, we have many friends and family who have lived in rent controlled apartments. It is what has preserved Santa Monica’s unique cultural identity, diverse neighborhoods and beautiful outdoor spaces - all of the things that makes our community great.

But as property values have increased, landlords and property management companies have attempted to increase profits - often at the tenants’ expense. Landlords will sometimes engage in schemes to remove tenants from rent controlled apartments, such as neglecting repairs, wrongful evictions, and tenant harassment.

While Santa Monica is an evolving city, some things have remained fundamental to its identity, and that includes the people who live there. At Schwimer Weinstein, it is our duty to protect residents of Santa Monica from the wrongful actions of landlords and property management companies.

We work diligently to ensure our clients are able to remain in their homes and are free of health hazards, safety concerns and the stress of losing their homes. We will do the same for you.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

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What We Do

Los Angeles Tenant Issues We Handle.

Asbestos, Lead & Mold
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Landlord Harassment
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Rent Control Violations
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Wrongful Evictions
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Habitability Violations
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Ellis Act Violations: Airbnb
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Premises Liability
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Do I have a case against my landlord?

The full story behind the name.

In almost every state, tenants have a right to live in a unit that is fit for habitation. They also have a right to be free from discrimination based on their membership in a certain group, such as those defined by race, religion, gender, disability, or national origin. A landlord also may not retaliate against a tenant for exercising a legal right, such as reporting the landlord for a building code violation. In addition, tenants have a right to privacy in their home, although this is balanced against the landlord’s right of entry to their property and the need to address any emergencies that may arise.

If something breaks down in your unit or in a common area that you use, the landlord likely will be responsible for fixing it unless you caused the issue. You should determine whether the repair is major, which requires the landlord to address it with greater urgency. If a landlord fails to handle a major repair, you may be able to withhold rent or take other strong actions.

Tenants who are injured in accidents on their landlord’s property may be able to seek compensation from the landlord, unless the tenant caused the accident. Environmental hazards in residential units also can cause serious harm, such as carbon monoxide, asbestos, lead, mold, and bedbugs.

If your landlord fails to provide a safe home, fix necessary repairs or wrongfully terminates your lease, you may have a cause of action against them. To determine whether legal recourse is right for your situation, contact Shwimer Weinstein today for a free consultation.

Why should I sue my landlord?

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While many landlord/tenant disputes can be negotiated one-on-one, some landlords will fail to uphold their end of the bargain. While it may seem like your landlord holds all of the power, state law provides powerful rights and remedies to tenants.

For example, filing a lawsuit against your landlord may help you stay in your home, provide for much needed repairs or compensate you for financial losses.

No one wants to go to court, especially your landlord. By hiring a tenant law attorney, you can show your landlord that you take your rights as a tenant seriously and that you will not back down until they are recognized.

At Schwimer Weinstein, we prepare every case as if it were going to trial. This level of preparedness ensures that when it comes time to talk to the opposing party, we are in the best position possible to protect your rights.

Do I need a tenant law attorney?

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Many tenants face their landlords every day without the help of an attorney. It is entirely possible to resolve a conflict with your landlord on your own. However, your landlord may fail to recognize to your needs and respect your rights as a tenant. When your landlord fails to uphold the end of his or her bargain, that is when you need an experienced tenant law attorney.

In Los Angeles, the power dynamic between landlord and renter is often tilted in favor of the landlord. However, California law provides powerful rights to tenants to even out this power dynamic. At Schwimer Weinstein, we recognize how important it is to feel safe and secure in your home. Our tenant rights attorneys will work with you to create a strategy that compensates you for any financial loss you may have experienced.

COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

Protecting Tenant Rights Throughout Los Angeles County

  • The City of Santa Monica
  • The City of Beverly Hills
  • The City of Los Angeles
  • The City of West Hollywood
You were a real pleasure to have obtained legal representation from. I have had my share of legal representation and I must say that you, by far, have unsurpassed all my expectations and are paramount to how you conduct your practice.
Don S.
I wanted to thank you for work with us for this long and securing me a place in college. I really hope someday that we can go surfing.
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My sincere thanks and appreciate for your diligent, professional, and persistent work on my personal injury case. The outcome speaks for itself. I’m very pleased. Thank you both for making my experience friendly, trusting and worry free.
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