Are there laws that protect a tenant from harassment?

Yes, in California, there are laws that protect tenants from harassment. The California Civil Code protects tenants from unjustified threats or harassment by landlords or their agents. It also prohibits landlords from interfering with the tenant’s quiet enjoyment of the rental property. Under the law, it is illegal for a landlord to harass a tenant for any reason, including because of the tenant’s race, gender, religion, or ethnic background. If a landlord or their agent makes threats, insults, or uses other intimidating language or behavior; physically touches the tenant or their property; or intentionally disrupts the tenant’s peaceful enjoyment of the rental property, the tenant can report the behavior to their local housing agency or file a civil lawsuit against the landlord. Additionally, California has enacted the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 which criminalizes landlord harassment, such as forcing a tenant to move out by using physical force, threats, or intimidation. Under this Act, a landlord who is found guilty of harassing a tenant can be held liable for damages, including the tenant’s attorney fees, and can be subject to criminal penalties including time in prison. The law is in place to protect tenants from harassment and abuse. If a tenant believes they have been harassed or intimidated by a landlord, they should contact their local housing agency to report the incident and seek legal advice.

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