Practice Areas
California tenant law — what we handle
Bowlay Law focuses exclusively on tenant-side cases across California. All cases are handled on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
Cases we handle
Wrongful Eviction
Most valuableThe most common case we handle. A wrongful eviction happens when a landlord gets a tenant out through means that are not legally valid — a notice with no real basis, pressure tactics, or a buyout agreement that was coerced. If you left because of something your landlord did or said, you may have a claim even if you are no longer in the unit.
Constructive Eviction
When a landlord makes a unit so uninhabitable — by ignoring repairs, cutting off utilities, or creating dangerous conditions — that you had no real choice but to leave. California law treats this as an eviction even if no formal notice was given.
Unlawful Rent Increases
Many California cities cap how much a landlord can raise the rent each year. Violations of these limits can give rise to money damages, especially under local ordinances in San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles which often allow treble (triple) damages.
Landlord Harassment
Repeated unannounced entries, verbal abuse, threats, removal of services, or any pattern of conduct designed to pressure you out of your home can be actionable as harassment. This applies whether or not you have already moved out.
Notice Violations
Landlords must follow strict rules when issuing notices to quit or terminating a tenancy. A notice that lacks proper legal cause, fails to give required notice periods, or contains false information may be defective — and acting on it may be wrongful eviction.
Do you qualify?
The most valuable cases share a few characteristics. You do not need to check every box, but the more that apply, the stronger your potential claim.
Tenancy length
At least 12 months — the longer, the stronger the case
Rent control
Under a local ordinance (SF, Oakland, LA, Berkeley, San Jose, Santa Barbara) or the California Tenant Protection Act
Recent action
The landlord's wrongful act happened within the last 12 months
Money damages
You are seeking financial compensation, not just to stay in the unit
Local ordinances vs. state law
California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) provides a statewide floor — but cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Berkeley, San Jose, and Santa Barbara have local ordinances that go further. Local ordinances typically mean:
- ✓Stricter just-cause eviction requirements
- ✓Higher damage caps (often treble damages)
- ✓Mandatory attorney's fees if you win
- ✓Fewer property exemptions
If you rent in one of these cities, your case may be worth significantly more.
Time matters — act within a year
Most local rent ordinances have a statute of limitations of approximately one year. If your landlord’s wrongful action happened more than 12 months ago, your options may be limited. If something happened recently, reach out now rather than later.
Not sure if your situation fits?
The free screening call is the right place to start. Cody will listen to what happened and give you an honest read on whether there is a case worth pursuing.
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