Understand Your Rights with respect to the Landlord - Tenant Relationship
The Landlord-Tenant relationship is one of the most important relationships affecting individuals residing in San Francisco. For the landlord is it usually a financial decision. For the tenant, the relationship is much, much more. It is privacy, peace of mind and knowing that the laws protecting tenants will be enforced. San Francisco has a series of rules and regulations in addition to what is provided for by State and Federal Law as contained in the San Francisco Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance at Section 37.9 of the San Francisco Administrative Code. Recently, Proposition M also passed. Proposition M identifies specific areas of tenant harassment. It is imperative for both landlords and tenants to know the rules and regulations since all too often this relationship is abused.
Recent Cases
Confidential v. Confidential, San Francisco Superior Court
Settlement, $125,000, October 15, 2010
We settled a case on behalf of a husband and wife in which their landlord and unlicensed contractor routinely violated their right of privacy and quiet enjoyment.
Confidential v. Confidential, San Francisco Superior Court
Settlement, $650,000, September 1, 2010
We recently settled a lawsuit on behalf of two tenants against their building manager and the owner of the building due to a campaign of harassment in an effort to retaliate against lawful requests for repairs.
Confidential v. Confidential, San Francisco Superior Court
Jury Verdict: $294,000 including attorneys fees and costs, August 2010
We won a jury trial on behalf of two couples who were subjected to harassment by the owner's unlicensed agent. Their agent intended to cause our clients to vacate so that the apartments could be rented for a higher amount in violation of Section 37.9 of the San Francisco Rent Ordinance. In an effort to collect this judgment we also obtained an order allowing our clients to obtain a rent credit going forward to avoid the need to pay rent until the judgment is completely satisfied.
Confidential v. Confidential, San Francisco Superior Court, 2009
Settlement following Jury Verdict at Trial: $130,000, July 2010
We represented two tenants who were removed from their leasehold by landlord self-help. Without honoring the written lease with our clients, the landlord changed the locks and discarded their belongings. We obtained damages for emotional distress, compensation for lost income, and wrongful disposal of irreplaceable personal belongings. At trial the Defendants settled for $130,000.
