Get Legal Advice to Resolve Your Landlord-Tenant Dispute in CA

As a landlord or tenant in California, it’s important to be aware of the most common disputes that can arise during a tenancy. At Steven Adair MacDonald & Partners, P.C., we specialize in helping clients solve the most common disputes between landlords and tenants in CA, drawing on our 30 years of experience in real estate law. 

As a real estate law firm in San Francisco, we have seen it all, from issues related to rent, repairs, or security deposits. Call us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you navigate the complex world of the most common disputes between landlords and tenants in CA.

What are the Most Common Disputes Between Landlords and Tenants in CA?

When it comes to renting a property in California, disputes between landlords and tenants are not uncommon. These disputes can arise due to a variety of issues, ranging from rent increases to security deposit disputes. As a tenant or landlord, it’s of utmost importance to understand the most common disputes that can occur during a tenancy to avoid misunderstandings and potentially costly legal battles. 

Here are the most common disputes between landlords and tenants in California:

Security Deposit Disputes 

Security deposit disputes commonly occur when a landlord withholds some or all of the deposit, which is intended to cover any damage to the property caused by the tenant during the tenancy. Tenants may dispute the amount withheld, arguing that it is excessive or unjustified, while landlords may withhold the deposit due to damage or unpaid rent. 

Maintenance and Repair Disputes 

Maintenance and repair disputes can arise when tenants believe that the landlord is not fulfilling their responsibility of maintaining the property in a habitable condition. The landlord has an obligation to ensure that the property is safe and livable, and tenants have the right to expect that repairs will be made in a timely and appropriate manner.

Rent Increase Disputes 

Rent increase disputes can arise when a landlord increases the rent amount after the lease term ends. Landlords have the legal right to raise the rent, but the increase must be reasonable and not discriminatory. Landlords must follow the guidelines established by state law regarding rent increases, and any increase that violates these guidelines can be challenged by the tenant.

Noise and Nuisance Complaints 

Noise and nuisance complaints can be common issues in landlord-tenant disputes. Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property, and landlords have the responsibility to address any disturbances that may interfere with this right. 

These disturbances may include loud music or television, barking dogs, frequent parties, construction noise, and other disruptive behavior. Nuisance issues may also arise from pests, unsanitary conditions, or other health and safety hazards that affect the tenant’s ability to peacefully occupy the property. 

Disputes may arise if the landlord fails to respond to complaints or disputes the tenant’s claims about the disturbances. In some cases, the dispute may require mediation or legal intervention to resolve.

Lease Violation Disputes 

Some of the most common lease violations by tenants include unauthorized subletting, keeping pets without permission, failure to pay rent, and violating noise or occupancy restrictions. 

When tenants violate the lease agreement, landlords have the right to take legal action to enforce the terms of the lease. This can include eviction proceedings or withholding security deposits. However, tenants may dispute the violation if they believe it is unfair or has a different interpretation of the lease terms. 

On the other hand, landlords may face disputes from tenants who claim that the landlord is not fulfilling their obligations, such as by failing to maintain the property or address safety concerns. 

Early Lease Termination Disputes 

Early lease termination disputes can occur when a tenant decides to end their lease before the agreed-upon end date. Landlords are entitled to charge fees or penalties for early termination, but tenants may dispute the amount or claim that they had to move out due to circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss or illness. Conversely, landlords may claim that the tenant breached the lease agreement by terminating early and seek damages for lost rent or other costs.

Eviction Proceedings 

Eviction proceedings occur when a landlord seeks to remove a tenant from their property. The landlord must follow the proper legal procedures for eviction, which typically involves providing the tenant with a notice of eviction and then filing a lawsuit if the tenant does not vacate the property. 

Disputes may arise if the landlord fails to follow these procedures or if the tenant disputes the grounds for eviction, such as if they believe it is retaliatory or discriminatory. Eviction proceedings can be emotional and stressful for both parties involved, and it is important to seek legal advice if you are facing an eviction or considering evicting a tenant.

How Should a Landlord-Tenant Dispute be Resolved?

Here are the steps you can take to resolve a landlord-tenant dispute in California:

• Communicate 

Effective communication is essential in resolving a landlord-tenant dispute. Misunderstandings and miscommunications can easily escalate into bigger conflicts and may require legal intervention. Therefore, the first step in resolving a dispute should be to open up a conversation with the other party.

• Review the Lease Agreement 

Reviewing the lease agreement is an important step in resolving a landlord-tenant dispute in California. The lease agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including the rights and obligations of both the landlord and the tenant. By carefully reviewing the lease agreement, both parties can understand their rights and responsibilities and find potential solutions to the dispute.

• Seek Mediation 

Mediation is a helpful way to resolve landlord-tenant disputes in California. A neutral third-party mediator will help facilitate discussions between the landlord and tenant to reach a solution. Mediation can save time and money, and it may also maintain the landlord-tenant relationship. 

• File a Complaint with the Appropriate Authority 

If mediation does not work out or is not a viable option, filing a complaint with the appropriate authority is another possible way to resolve a landlord-tenant dispute in California. This is particularly helpful if the dispute involves a violation of the landlord-tenant law or the lease agreement.

If you believe that the landlord or tenant has violated the law, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or the local housing authority. These agencies are responsible for enforcing landlord-tenant laws and regulations in California, and they can provide you with information about your rights and options.

• Hire an Attorney 

If the dispute is severe or involves a significant amount of money, you may want to hire an attorney. A landlord-tenant attorney can advise you on your legal rights and represent you in court.

Get Help From Our San Francisco Real Estate Attorneys

Are you facing a dispute with your landlord or tenant in California? Don’t let the situation escalate into a legal battle. Seek mediation as a first step towards resolving the conflict. Mediation can help you avoid the expense and stress of court procedures among the most common disputes between landlords and tenants in CA.

At Steven Adair MacDonald & Partners, P.C., we provide legal services for landlords and tenants in California. Our real estate attorneys can guide you through the mediation process and help you find a mutually agreeable solution. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to protect your investment or a tenant fighting for your rights, we can help.

Don’t wait until the situation becomes unbearable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with mediation, eviction proceedings, or any other real estate-related legal issues.