Isit retaliation if I asked my landlord for a repair in my apartment unit and now he wants me to vacate?

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Isit retaliation if I asked my landlord for a repair in my apartment unit and now he wants me to vacate?

My landlord first refused to fix/replace the stove because it’d be too expensive, stressing that my current rent is below market rate, thus I shouldn’t even be asking for repairs. He then agreed to take a look, provided that he raises the rent for repair costs. Less than 1 hour later, he called back to tell me he’s decided to renovate the entire unit, giving me a 30-day notice to vacate. I understand that in CA landlords don’t have to specify a reason for such notices, but I feel strongly that he acted in retaliation for my complaint. Can I do something about it or was his notice legit?

Asked on June 24, 2011 under Real Estate Law, California

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

You can sue the landlord for retaliatory eviction.  Retaliatory eviction is when the tenant is evicted for something that is NOT a breach of the lease.  You requested repairs and the landlord retaliated by evicting you.


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