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πŸ”‘ Rental Property Rules/Tenant Anti-Harassment

Lancaster vs Santa Monica

How do tenant anti-harassment rules compare between Lancaster, CA and Santa Monica, CA?

Lancaster and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.

Lancaster, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

LA County Ordinance 2021-0040, codified at Title 8.59, prohibits landlords in unincorporated areas from harassing tenants through threats, coercion, intimidation, utility shutoffs, or false eviction filings. DCBA investigates and penalties run per violation.

View full Lancaster rules β†’

Santa Monica, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

LA County Ordinance 2021-0040, codified at Title 8.59, prohibits landlords in unincorporated areas from harassing tenants through threats, coercion, intimidation, utility shutoffs, or false eviction filings. DCBA investigates and penalties run per violation.

View full Santa Monica rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactLancasterSanta Monica
CodeLACO Title 8.59; Ord. 2021-0040LACO Title 8.59; Ord. 2021-0040
Statutory penaltyUp to $10,000 per actUp to $10,000 per act
Senior/disabled boostAdditional $5,000 availableAdditional $5,000 available
InvestigatorLA County DCBALA County DCBA
CoverageUnincorporated areas onlyUnincorporated areas only

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Lancaster FAQ

What counts as harassment?

Threats, repeated unannounced entries, utility shutoffs, refusing repairs, false eviction filings, abuse of rent demands, retaliation for protected activity, and other coercive acts listed in Title 8.59 each qualify as harassment.

Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?

No. DCBA accepts complaints directly from tenants. A separate civil suit is optional and recommended when seeking statutory damages or punitive damages beyond DCBA's administrative remedies.

Santa Monica FAQ

What counts as harassment?

Threats, repeated unannounced entries, utility shutoffs, refusing repairs, false eviction filings, abuse of rent demands, retaliation for protected activity, and other coercive acts listed in Title 8.59 each qualify as harassment.

Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?

No. DCBA accepts complaints directly from tenants. A separate civil suit is optional and recommended when seeking statutory damages or punitive damages beyond DCBA's administrative remedies.

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