Tenant rights — Sonoma / Marin / San Francisco

Your landlord doesn't get the last word.

California law gives renters real protections against unsafe housing, illegal lockouts, deposit theft, and retaliation. We help Bay Area tenants use them.

No fee unless we recover for you on eligible habitability and wrongful-eviction claims.

Filed on behalf of
Representing
Tenants across Sonoma, Marin & San Francisco counties
Common matters
Habitability, illegal eviction, deposits, retaliation
Consultation
Free, confidential, no obligation
What we handle

Four ways landlords cross the line

01

Habitability

Mold, no heat, broken plumbing, pests, unsafe conditions the landlord won't fix.

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02

Illegal Eviction

Lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal without a court order.

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03

Security Deposits

Deposits withheld past 21 days or without an itemized, lawful reason.

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04

Retaliation

Rent hikes, notices, or eviction after you complained or requested repairs.

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Coverage

Serving tenants across three counties

Local courts, local landlords, local know-how — Petaluma-based and Bay Area-focused.

Sonoma County Marin County San Francisco County
21 days

Deadline for a landlord to return your security deposit or send an itemized statement — Civil Code §1950.5.

No self-help

Landlords can't lock you out or shut off utilities to force you out — Code of Civil Procedure §789.3.

180 days

Retaliation is presumed if a landlord acts against you within 180 days of a protected complaint — Civil Code §1942.5.

Resource hub

Know your rights before you talk to your landlord

Guide

What counts as uninhabitable?

The legal standard for habitability under California Civil Code §1941.1, and what to document.

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Guide

Locked out? Do this first.

Self-help evictions are illegal in California. Here's how to respond and preserve your claim.

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Guide

Getting your deposit back

What landlords can and can't deduct, and what to do when the 21-day deadline passes.

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Tell us what's happening.

Every case starts with a free, confidential review — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure to sign anything.

Start your free case review