Q: Can I file a lawsuit against my previous landlord for wrongfully evicting me?
I was evicted from my home for the "just cause" reason of the landlord wanting to sell the property. However, the landlord never put the property up for sale and is now being advertised for rent again online. Isn't there something I'm able to do? It was also done while the landlord was receiving funds from the rent relief program for me
A:
Under California law, if you believe you were wrongfully evicted under the guise of "just cause" for selling the property, but then discover the property is being advertised for rent again, you may have grounds to take legal action. The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 provides specific reasons landlords can evict tenants, and misleading reasons could constitute a violation of these regulations. The fact that the landlord was receiving funds from the rent relief program on your behalf adds another layer of complexity to your situation, suggesting that the eviction may not have been carried out in good faith.
It's important to gather all relevant evidence, such as the eviction notice, communication with the landlord, and screenshots or printouts of the property being advertised for rent. Documentation that the landlord received rent relief funds for you during the eviction process could also be pivotal.
Consulting with a legal advisor knowledgeable in California tenant law is a wise step to understand your rights and the potential for recovering damages or seeking reinstatement to the property. While the specifics of each case vary, the law provides mechanisms for tenants to challenge wrongful evictions and seek justice for unlawful landlord actions.
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