California Civil Code 1940.2 prohibits Riverside County landlords from using force, threats, fraud, or repeated unreasonable entries to push tenants out. Violations can result in civil penalties up to 2,000 dollars per harassment incident plus actual damages.
California's anti-harassment statute applies countywide and covers conduct such as repeated lockouts, utility shut-offs, threats of immigration reporting, or pressuring tenants to vacate without proper notice. AB 2347 strengthened tenant defenses in unlawful detainer proceedings and AB 1620 added immigration-status protections. Riverside County does not have a separate local anti-harassment ordinance, but tenants may file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department, sue in superior court, or raise harassment as an affirmative defense in eviction. Lawyers often combine these with AB 1482 relocation claims and source-of-income discrimination claims.
Each harassment act can support a 2,000 dollar civil penalty, with actual damages, emotional distress, and attorney's fees on top.
See how Temecula's tenant anti-harassment rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.