CITY OF SAN DIEGO ONLY
A wrongful eviction is more than unfair. It may be against the law.
I represent residential tenants inside the City of San Diego who are being pushed out in ways the Residential Tenant Protections Ordinance doesn't allow — evictions without a real reason, retaliation, lockouts, and notices that ignore your rights.
I take a narrow set of cases so I can do them well. Before you call, take two minutes to see whether yours is one I can help with.
WHAT I HANDLE
- Evictions without a valid "just cause" under the City ordinance
- No-fault terminations with no relocation assistance paid
- Retaliatory or pretextual "owner move-in" and "remodel" notices
- Illegal lockouts and utility shut-offs meant to force you out
Limited to rentals within the incorporated City of San Diego. Other cities and county areas are screened out below.
Let's see if your situation fits
A few quick questions — nothing confidential, just enough to point you the right way. Your answers stay on this page until you choose to send them. This isn't legal advice, and answering doesn't make me your lawyer.
Where is the home you rent?
Is this your home — a place you rent to live in?
Which of these is closest to your situation?
Do any of these describe your living situation?
Your situation looks like one I can help with.
Based on your answers, this appears to be a residential eviction matter inside the City of San Diego. Send your contact info below and I'll review for conflicts and reach out to set up a consultation.
This isn't a case I take — but here's where to turn.
THE BASICS
What counts as a wrongful eviction.
Not every move-out notice is wrongful — but inside the City of San Diego, landlords have to follow real rules. An eviction may be unlawful when those rules are skipped or used as a cover story.
No real "just cause"
The ordinance requires a valid reason to end most tenancies — from day one. A notice with no stated cause, or a made-up one, may not hold up.
A pretextual reason
"Owner move-in" or "substantial remodel" notices used as a cover to clear out a tenant — when no one moves in, or no real remodel happens — can be challenged.
No relocation paid
For no-fault terminations, the landlord generally must pay relocation assistance. Skipping it, or paying the wrong amount, is a problem.
Retaliation
Being pushed out soon after you asked for repairs, reported a code issue, or asserted your rights can be unlawful retaliation.
Self-help lockouts
Changing the locks, removing your things, or shutting off utilities to force you out — instead of going through court — is illegal.
Defective notices
Wrong notice period, missing required language, or a notice that ignores the ordinance can undermine the whole eviction.
Coverage has exceptions — for example, certain brand-new construction, some owner-occupied homes, and short-term stays. Whether the ordinance applies to your rental is exactly the kind of thing I'll confirm before taking your case.
SAN DIEGO RESIDENTIAL TENANT PROTECTION ORDINANCE
What the City ordinance gives you.
The City of San Diego ordinance (San Diego Muni. Code §§ 98.0701 et seq.) goes beyond the statewide Tenant Protection Act for covered rentals inside city limits.
Just cause from day one
For covered units, a landlord needs a valid at-fault or no-fault reason to end your tenancy — not just after 12 months.
Limits on "remodel" evictions
Stricter rules on when a substantial remodel can be used as a no-fault reason, and more notice when work is planned.
Relocation assistance
For a no-fault termination, the landlord generally must pay relocation help — more for seniors and people with disabilities.
Right to return
If a unit is taken off the market and re-rented within a set period, a displaced tenant may have the first chance to come back.
Buyout rules
Rules to make "cash for keys" buyout offers fairer and harder to push through without disclosure.
Real remedies
The ordinance allows for things like attorney's fees and additional damages when a landlord violates it.
Coverage has exceptions — for example, certain brand-new construction, some owner-occupied homes, and short-term stays. Whether the ordinance applies to your rental is exactly the kind of thing I'll confirm before taking your case.
TYPES OF CASES I TAKE
If the below describes your situation, contact me.
Being clear up front saves you time.
CASES I TAKE
- Wrongful or unlawful evictions of residential tenants
- Rentals located inside the City of San Diego
- Matters under the Residential Tenant Protections Ordinance
- No-fault notices missing or underpaying relocation assistance
- Pretextual owner move-in and substantial-remodel notices
- Illegal lockouts, utility shut-offs, and retaliation to force a move-out
HOW IT WORKS
From intake to action in three steps.
Tell us the situation
Tell us what's going on. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help.
Get your price up front
You'll see the exact number before you sign. No surprise invoices.
We get to work
Quick engagement agreement, paid online. Most work begins within a week. Status updates by email or text.