05 August

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Disabled Renters’ Rights in California: What Landlords Must Do (and Can’t Do)

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law, Tenant lawyers in California, United States

Woman in wheelchair filling out rental paperwork, representing disabled tenants’ rights and housing accessibility.

In California, FEHA gives disabled renters broader protections than federal law. Landlords must engage in a good‑faith interactive process, allow reasonable accommodations and modifications, can’t charge pet fees for assistance animals, and can’t retaliate if you assert your rights. Finding a place to live shouldn’t depend on whether someone has a disability. Yet many renters still face barriers that violate their legal rights. If you’re unsure what landlords can or can’t do—or when to involve a tenant lawyer—this guide will walk you through your options. The rights of disabled renters are protected under both federal and state laws that guarantee equal access,...

04 August

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Is Gentrification Illegal? A Tenant’s Guide to the Law

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law

rial view of high-rise apartment buildings and older housing blocks, showing urban density and contrast in development styles, often linked to gentrification.

Is Gentrification Illegal? A Tenant’s Guide to the Law Gentrification can reshape a neighbourhood—but for many renters, that change often feels more like forced displacement than urban progress. Rents rise, long-term tenants face sudden evictions, and unfamiliar rules begin to surface. But is any of this actually illegal? This guide breaks down the legal landscape behind gentrification: what’s permitted, where the law draws the line, and what tenants can do when change starts to look like pressure. From rent caps and eviction protections to harassment laws and federal anti-discrimination statutes, this guide explains your rights and how to act on them. You’ll also...

04 August

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How Landlords Check Your Rental History Before Approving You

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law, Tenant lawyers in California, United States

Magnifying glass over house icon next to keys, representing landlord review of rental history before lease approval.

If you’re getting ready to apply for a new apartment, one of the first things a landlord may check is your rental history. Similar to a credit report, it helps them assess your reliability as a tenant. So, what exactly do landlords see, and how can you ensure your rental history works in your favor? In this guide, you'll learn what rental history reports include, how landlords check them, and what to do if you’re renting for the first time or if there are issues in your record. You’ll also get insights from the perspective of an experienced tenant lawyer, including...

01 August

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Can Illegal Immigrants Rent Apartments in the U.S.? What the Law Really Says

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law

Multi-unit apartment building with residential windows, representing rental housing availability in urban areas.

Finding a place to live can be stressful, especially if you're an undocumented immigrant or someone without a Social Security number. Can you legally rent an apartment or house in the U.S. without official immigration papers? The answer is yes, but it depends on your location, the documents you can provide, and your knowledge of your rights. This guide explains what undocumented immigrants need to know about renting, including how to handle applications, what landlords are allowed to ask, and what to do if you're treated unfairly. You'll also learn when it makes sense to speak with experienced tenant lawyers and...

01 August

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How to Tell If Your Landlord Is Retaliating Against You in California

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant lawyers in California, United States

Tenant signing rental agreement while landlord or property manager holds house keys.

If your landlord suddenly raises the rent or ignores vital repairs, you might be experiencing illegal retaliation. California law protects tenants from these actions, giving renters the right to assert their legal protections without fear. This guide will help you recognize landlord retaliation, understand your rights, and take practical steps to protect your housing. If the situation escalates, speaking with a slumlord attorney may be the best way to hold your landlord accountable and safeguard your home. What Landlord Retaliation Means in California Landlord retaliation means a landlord takes negative steps after a tenant uses their legal rights. The protections exist to...

25 June

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How Much a Landlord Can Raise Rent Under California Rules

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Tenant lawyers in California, United States

A man signing a rental agreement on a clipboard with apartment keys nearby, while two women stand in the background, suggesting a landlord-tenant interaction related to rent terms.

If you’re renting in California, you already know how stressful unexpected rent hikes can be. Under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), most landlords must limit annual increases to 5 percent plus regional CPI—and only once every 12 months. Yet, exemptions, varying notice rules, and local ordinances can complicate the picture. Whether you’re facing a surprise notice or weighing your options, guidance from established tenant lawyers can make all the difference. In the following text, we’ll explain statewide caps, calculate allowable hikes, cover notice requirements, highlight exempt properties, detail city-specific limits, and show you how to challenge unlawful increases....

24 June

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How to Recognize Discrimination Against Immigrants at Work

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice

A woman sitting at a table, looking stressed, while multiple people point at her and hand her documents, symbolizing workplace pressure or discrimination.

Discrimination against immigrants in the workplace isn’t always obvious. It can take the form of unfair hiring, unequal treatment, language-based harassment, or inappropriate questions about immigration status. These behaviors may violate federal law—even when they’re subtle or disguised as company policy. Whether you’re an immigrant worker facing discrimination, someone unsure of what’s legal, or an advocate trying to help, this guide explains what to look for and how to respond. You’ll learn the most common examples, the protections available under U.S. law, and where to find support—including when it may help to speak with an experienced lawyer. We’ll also cover how to...

24 June

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Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Comes Knocking

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice

An order regarding extradition, a gavel, a U.S. passport, and an American flag, representing legal proceedings related to immigration enforcement.

If you’re unsure what to do if ICE comes to your door, you’re not alone. These situations are stressful, and it’s hard to know what’s legal—and what isn’t—in the moment. But there’s good news: you have rights, and you can protect yourself by understanding them before anything happens—with the help of clear information and, when needed, an experienced immigration lawyer. This guide breaks down exactly how to respond if immigration agents show up at your home. You’ll learn what kind of warrant they need to enter, how to check it safely, and what to say—or not say—at the door. We’ll also...

24 June

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What to Do If You’re Injured in a Common Area of Your Apartment Complex or Building

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Personal Injury, Tenant Law

A child sits on the grass with a scraped knee next to a fallen bicycle while an adult assists him, illustrating a common area injury in an apartment complex setting.

Getting hurt in the shared spaces of your apartment complex—like the hallway, stairwell, or parking lot—can raise more than just health concerns. You may wonder who is responsible, what your next steps should be, or if it's time to consult with a personal injury lawyer. These are common questions after an accident in a common area, and finding the right answers early matters. This guide walks you through exactly what to do: how to document the incident, when a landlord might be legally at fault, what kind of compensation you could receive, and whether legal representation could make a difference. If...

19 June

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Your Rights if Your Building Is Sold or Foreclosed

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law, Tenant lawyers in California, United States

how long can tenant stay in foreclosed property

When a landlord faces foreclosure, tenants are often left with more questions than answers. The situation can feel uncertain, but you're not powerless. Understanding your rights as a renter during foreclosure is essential — and in many cases, the law is on your side. In this guide, we’ll walk through what foreclosure means for tenants, what protections federal law provides, how long you can legally stay, and how to handle lease agreements, security deposits, and potential cash offers from new owners. If you're unsure about your situation, speaking with a tenant lawyer can provide clarity. And if your building is going...

Author: eric_castelblanco