At Wobbe Tenant Law, I primarily work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. My fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or judgment I win for you—so if you don’t win, you don’t pay. My percentage is always reasonable and never more than standard rates. Because my payment depends on the success of your case, our interests are fully aligned—I only win when you do. My main priority is securing the best possible outcome for my clients, and I fight to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

For certain cases, such as tenant buyouts, demand letters, and other advisory services, I charge an hourly rate. If your case falls into this category, I’ll discuss the details upfront so you know exactly what to expect.

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how my fees work for your specific situation.

If your landlord has violated your rights as a tenant, you may have a strong case. Common legal claims against landlords include:

• Wrongful or constructive eviction – Forcing you out without proper legal notice or making your home unlivable.

• Harassment & retaliation – Pressuring you to leave, shutting off utilities, refusing repairs, or punishing you for asserting your rights.

• Uninhabitable conditions – Ignoring major issues like mold, rodent infestations, leaks, or sewage problems.

• Security deposit violations – Illegally withholding or failing to return your deposit.

• Illegal rent increases or buyout pressure – Violating rent control laws or coercing you into an unfair buyout.

Every case is different, so the best way to know if you have a claim is to schedule a free consultation with me. I’ll review your situation and let you know your legal options.

Landlord harassment is illegal, and you have rights. Harassment can include threats, illegal entry, shutting off utilities, refusing repairs, or pressuring you to move out. If you’re experiencing this, here’s what to do:

• Document Everything – Keep records of texts, emails, letters, and notes on verbal interactions. Take photos or videos if applicable.

• Put Requests in Writing – If your landlord is ignoring repairs or violating your rights, send written requests via email or certified mail.

• Know Your Rights – Many cities, including San Francisco and Oakland, have tenant harassment protections that allow you to sue for damages.

• Call the Authorities if Needed – If you feel unsafe, contact the police or local housing agencies.

• Seek Legal Help – I specialize in holding landlords accountable. If your landlord is harassing you, schedule a free consultation, and I’ll help you explore your legal options, including possible compensation.

Under California law, your landlord is legally required to keep your rental unit safe and habitable. If they refuse to make necessary repairs, you have several options:

Your Rights Include:

• Request Repairs in Writing – Always notify your landlord in writing (email, text, or letter) and keep copies for your records.

• Withhold Rent or Repair & Deduct – If repairs aren’t made in a reasonable time, you may have the right to withhold rent or pay for the repairs yourself and deduct the cost. (California Civil Code § 1942).

• Call a Housing Inspector – You can report serious violations to local housing agencies, which may fine your landlord or force repairs.

• File a Lawsuit – If your landlord refuses to fix dangerous conditions (mold, leaks, pests, plumbing issues, lack of heat, etc.), you may be entitled to financial compensation for reduced rental value, emotional distress, or even relocation costs.

What Repairs Are Legally Required?

Your landlord must provide:

• Working plumbing, heat, and electricity

• A structurally safe unit (no leaks, broken floors, or hazardous conditions)

• Freedom from infestations (mice, roaches, bedbugs, etc.)

• Hot and cold running water

• Functioning locks on doors and windows

If your landlord is ignoring your requests, schedule a free consultation—I can help you understand your rights and take action.

Yes, in certain situations, you can legally break your lease without penalty under California law. Here are some common reasons tenants can break a lease early:

Legally Justified Reasons to Break a Lease

• Uninhabitable Living Conditions – If your landlord refuses to fix serious issues like mold, sewage leaks, pest infestations, or no heat, you may be able to leave under California’s implied warranty of habitability (Civil Code § 1942).

• Landlord Harassment or Privacy Violations – If your landlord is illegally entering your unit, shutting off utilities, or retaliating against you, you may have grounds to break your lease.

• Domestic Violence, Stalking, or Abuse – California Civil Code § 1946.7 allows survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or abuse to terminate a lease early with proper notice and documentation.

• Military Deployment – Under California Military and Veterans Code Section 409, active-duty military members can end a lease early if they receive deployment orders.

What If None of These Apply?

If you don’t have a legally protected reason, you may still be able to:

• Negotiate with your landlord – Many landlords will agree to an early termination if you help find a new tenant.

• Use a lease break clause – Check your lease for an early termination policy.

• Give proper notice – Even if breaking your lease isn’t legally justified, giving ample notice and working with your landlord may help you avoid penalties.

If you’re unsure about your situation, schedule a free consultation to discuss your options and avoid unnecessary costs.

Yes! Moving out does not mean you lose your right to take legal action against your landlord. You may still have a strong case for:

• Wrongful or constructive eviction – If you were forced out due to harassment, unsafe conditions, or an illegal eviction.

• Unlawful security deposit withholding – If your landlord kept your deposit unfairly.

• Habitability violations – If your landlord ignored serious repair issues that made your home unsafe or unlivable.

• Retaliation or harassment – If your landlord forced you out by making your tenancy unbearable.

Statute of Limitations

The deadline to file a lawsuit depends on your claim:

• Personal injury (e.g., health issues from uninhabitable conditions): 2 years from when you moved out or became aware of the harm.

• Breach of contract: 4 years from the violation under a written lease, 2 years under an oral lease.

• Constructive eviction: 2 years for oral leases from the date you moved out, 4 years for written leases from the date the you moved out.

If you’re unsure whether you still have time to sue, schedule a free consultation—I’ll review your case and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Not necessarily. Most tenant lawsuits settle before going to trial, meaning you may never have to step inside a courtroom. We handle all negotiations and legal proceedings on your behalf, working to secure a fair settlement without unnecessary litigation. However, if your case does go to court, we will fully prepare you and advocate for you every step of the way.

The timeline for a tenant lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the landlord is willing to settle. Some cases resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others that proceed to litigation can take a year or longer. We aim to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

The compensation you may recover depends on the specifics of your case. Potential damages can include:

• Rent reimbursement for uninhabitable living conditions

• Moving costs if you were forced to move

• Rent-differential damages based on the difference between what you were paying and either the higher rent you now pay or the fair market value of a comparable unit

• Emotional distress damages for significant hardship

• Punitive damages if the landlord’s conduct was especially egregious

• Attorney’s fees and court costs in certain cases

Every case is different, and we will assess your situation to determine what damages you may be entitled to pursue.