Carlos moved into a studio in Santa Clara, aiming for stability near his new job. He believed renters rights in Santa Clara County would offer protection. The lease looked fair, and the landlord seemed reasonable. But trouble hit quicker than expected.
It started with a broken heater. Next, the plumbing failed. Cold nights and foul odors invaded the space. Carlos reached out to the landlord for help. Silence followed.
Days turned into nightmares. The toilet overflowed, and water seeped into the floor. Eventually, the landlord responded but laid blame on Carlos. “You must have clogged it,” he said, pointing fingers.
Carlos refused to back down. That’s when the threats appeared—the landlord planned to charge for repairs and delivered an eviction notice. Confusion struck Carlos. Did he have rights in this situation?
Many Santa Clara renters face similar battles daily. The county’s high living costs create a housing crunch. Vacancy rates remain low, granting landlords undue power. Some take full advantage, neglecting repairs and charging illegal fees. Countless renters stay silent, fearing eviction. Others simply don’t grasp their rights.
Carlos had no idea about tenant rights in Santa Clara County. He paid rent promptly and followed the rules, yet his landlord chose to ignore the law. When Carlos stood his ground, the landlord escalated with eviction threats.
He wasn’t alone. Numerous renters endure violations. Some give in, while others decide to fight. Santa Clara landlords break the law in various ways. Let’s explore some common ones.
Ignoring Health and Safety Rules
Mold and Pests Are Everywhere
Landlords must keep rentals safe. But many don’t bother. Leaky pipes, mold, rodents, and cockroaches contribute to unhealthy environments. Some landlords ignore complaints. Others patch things up temporarily, leaving long-term issues unresolved. In Santa Clara County, these conditions violate tenant rights.
Recent Case:
In 2024, Joana Martino Rios took legal action against Curtner Studios, L.P. She had endured horrific living conditions at 701 Curtner Avenue, Unit #321, in San Jose (Case ID: 24CV448005 at Santa Clara County Superior Court).
Renting under a low-income program, Ms. Rios paid $960 monthly. Soon after her move, she discovered an extensive cockroach infestation. Despite complaints, the landlord failed to respond. The City of San Jose confirmed the issue, yet resolution remained elusive.
Ms. Rios took legal action. She filed a lawsuit with ten claims, including breach of the warranty of habitability and negligence. She argued unsafe conditions forced her to leave, rendering the unit uninhabitable. She also highlighted violations of tenant protection laws and unfair business practices. She sought damages exceeding $75,000, reimbursement of rent, and legal penalties.
Demand Proper Repairs
Always document requests for repairs. Take photos for evidence. If your landlord refuses to respond, report the violations. Several renters secure compensation this way. A lawyer helps speed things up.
Raising Rent Illegally
Rent Hikes Beyond the Limit
Some landlords blatantly flout rent control laws. They issue notices with unreasonable rent hikes, pressuring tenants to comply or vacate. Many tenants don’t check the legality of these increases.
Recent Case
In 2024, the Justice Department teamed up with multiple state attorneys general to sue RealPage Inc. to uncover violations of federal antitrust laws. Their lawsuit revealed that RealPage’s pricing software enabled landlords to collude on rental prices, artificially inflating rents and hindering competition.
RealPage manipulated landlords into sharing private pricing data. Their algorithm maximized profits at tenants’ expense. Instead of competing, landlords followed RealPage’s recommendations, leading to severe rent increases. Internal documents confirmed this manipulation, with one landlord stating, “I always liked this product because your algorithm uses proprietary data…” This behavior exemplifies classic price fixing.
What This Means for Santa Clara Renters
If your rent suddenly spikes, verify if your landlord relies on RealPage. Corporate landlords using automation might engage in illegal price coordination.
Verify Rent Increases
Review local rent control laws in Santa Clara. Consult a lawyer. If the increase is unlawful, refuse payment. Send written documentation of your objection. Report landlords engaging in price-fixing schemes to the appropriate authorities.
Wrongful Evictions
Illegal Notices and Threats
Landlords must follow legal eviction processes. Sadly, many do not. They send fake notices, lock tenants out, or harass tenants.
Recent Example:
Antonio Avila Garcia faced eviction after over a decade in his Concord apartment. The new landlord aimed for renovations, not due to missed rent or lease violations. Many neighbors, including his brother, received similar eviction notices.
Despite California’s 2019 Tenant Protection Act allowing eviction for “substantial repairs,” housing advocates argue landlords exploit this loophole. They push renovations to justify eviction. Avila Garcia’s landlord didn’t secure the necessary permits before sending notices. Eventually, he faced a $500 rent increase in a new unit. Unsettled, he found a new home, but he now pays $400 more monthly. Advocates warn that these “renovictions” contribute to escalating homelessness. The proposed legislation, SB 567, aims to prevent these practices, ensuring landlords allow tenants to return at the same rate—or cover relocation costs.
Know Your Eviction Rights
Don’t leave without a valid court order. Always file a response to eviction notices. Seek assistance from a tenant eviction lawyer.
Security Deposit Scams
Withholding Deposits Without Cause
Landlords often withhold security deposits without justification. They hope tenants won’t fight back.
Recent Case: Karole v. 340 West End Avenue, LLC
Arlene Marie Karole sued 340 West End Avenue, LLC, for failing to refund her $1,327.93 security deposit. She repeatedly requested her deposit after vacating her rent-stabilized apartment in December 2020. The landlord could not refund or provide the required documentation within 14 days.
The court ruled against the landlord, finding their reasons for withholding the deposit were mere facades. With no damages or unpaid rent, the ruling favored Karole. She received her full deposit plus accrued interest. This case underscores the importance of adhering to security deposit laws.
Demand a Fair Return
Always document the apartment’s condition before moving in. Take photos. If landlords withhold deposits, send a demand letter. If they ignore it, file a claim in small claims court.
Harassment and Privacy Violations
Entering Without Permission
Landlords must respect tenant privacy and provide notice before entering. Many fail here, entering without warning or consent.
Recent Case: Landlord Penalized for Illegal Entry and Tenant Harassment in Santa Monica
In May 2024, the City Attorney’s Office of Santa Monica sued landlord Masoud Atef for violating tenant rights. He failed to provide notice before entering tenants’ homes, infringing California’s tenant protection laws.
The lawsuit claimed Atef not only ignored entry regulations but also discriminated against a tenant with a disability. This behavior created a hostile living environment and undermined tenant rights. Officials sought a court order against Atef, mandated fair housing training, and financial compensation for affected tenants.
Protect Your Privacy
Document all instances of unlawful entry. Send written complaints. Call law enforcement if necessary. Seek legal help.
The Fight Is Worth It
Santa Clara renters confront unscrupulous landlords daily. Many ignore legal requirements, assuming tenants won’t challenge them. The law stands firm.
Illegal rent hikes? Blocked. Harassment? Fined. Unjust evictions? Overturned. Tenants often prevail when they stand up for their rights.
Are you dealing with landlord abuse? Is justice your goal? The Law Firm for Tenant Rights, Inc. champions renters like you. Don’t allow landlords to disregard the law. Contact us today.
