When Your Landlord Tries to Push You Out—You Still Have Rights

👩‍👧 You’re a single mom. You’ve asked for repairs. Now the landlord wants you gone.

You live in Downey. You pay your rent. You follow the rules.

Your son has autism. He needs routine and stability.

But now your landlord has posted a 60-day notice to move out—right after you asked them (again) to fix the bathroom leak.

You’re scared. Angry. Unsure if this is even legal.

Let’s be clear: you have rights, and this might be illegal retaliation.

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⚖️ What California Law Says

Under California law, landlords can’t just evict you for no reason—especially if you’ve lived there more than one year and your apartment is covered by AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act).

They also cannot punish you for doing something legal—like:

• Requesting repairs

• Complaining to code enforcement

• Joining a tenant group

• Enforcing your rights under disability law

If they do, it may violate Civil Code § 1942.5, which bans landlord retaliation.

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🔍 What “Just Cause” Really Means

Under AB 1482, a landlord needs a real, legal reason to evict you. That includes:

• Not paying rent

• Serious lease violations

• Owner moving in (with strict rules)

But if none of that happened? If they’re just annoyed you spoke up?

That’s likely not “just cause.” And it won’t hold up in court if you fight back in time.

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⚠️ LAW vs. REALITY

📜 The law protects tenants.

🧠 But most landlords count on fear to make you leave without a fight.

They know:

• You might not understand your rights

• You may be undocumented or scared of court

• You’re busy raising kids, working, surviving

They expect you to just… move out. Don’t.

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🛠 What You Should Do Right Now

1. 🛑 Don’t Move Out

A 60-day notice is not an eviction. It’s just the first step.

2. 🗂 Gather Your Evidence

Keep:

• The written notice

• Repair requests (texts, emails, letters)

• Rent receipts

• Any medical documents tied to your child’s condition

3. 📆 If You Get Court Papers, Respond Fast

If they file an eviction lawsuit (“Unlawful Detainer”), you’ll get official court papers. You have only 5 business days to respond. If you don’t? The landlord wins by default.

4. 📞 Get Legal Help

• Housing Rights Center: (800) 477-5977

• LAFLA (Legal Aid Foundation of LA): lafla.org

• Self-Help Centers at your local court

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🧑‍⚖️ What Judges Really Look For

Judges don’t want drama. They want:

• 📅 Dates

• 📄 Documents

• 📷 Proof

Your story is important—but paperwork wins.

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📚 Real-Life Example: María from Bellflower

María got a 60-day notice after sending a certified letter about a plumbing leak. She had six months left on her lease. Her son has autism, and stress makes his symptoms worse.

The landlord never gave a reason. Just “we need the unit.”

💡 María called LAFLA. They helped her respond to the court. The judge ruled that the eviction violated the law—because it was retaliation.

📌 What helped? María had proof she paid rent, copies of her repair letters, and a disability letter from her son’s doctor.

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✊🏽 You Are Not Powerless

Eviction notices are scary. But if you’re armed with knowledge and support, you can stop retaliation in its tracks.

No matter your income. No matter your immigration status.

You have rights. And they can’t scare you out of your home.