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Riverside County, CA Rental Property Rules: Tenant Anti-Harassment (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Statute
Civil Code 1940.2
Per-act penalty
Up to 2,000 dollars
Immigration threats
Specifically banned
Eviction defense
Yes

Summary

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.

City-specific rules exist: Riverside has its own tenant anti-harassment rules that differ from Riverside County's county-level regulations. If you live in Riverside, check the city-specific page instead.

(a) It is unlawful for a landlord to do any of the following for the purpose of influencing a tenant to vacate a dwelling: (1) Engage in conduct that violates subdivision (a) of Section 484 of the Penal Code. (2) Engage in conduct that violates Section 518 of the Penal Code. (3) Use, or threaten to use, force, willful threats, or menacing conduct constituting a course of conduct that interferes with the tenant's quiet enjoyment of the premises in violation of Section 1927 that would create an apprehension of harm in a reasonable person. Nothing in this paragraph requires a tenant to be actually or constructively evicted in order to obtain relief. (4) Commit a significant and intentional violation of Section 1954. (5) Threaten to disclose information regarding or relating to the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant, occupant, or other person known to the landlord to be associated with a tenant or occupant. This paragraph does not require a tenant to be actually or constructively evicted in order to obtain relief. (b) A tenant who prevails in a civil action, including an action in small claims court, to enforce his or her rights under this section is entitled to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each violation. (c) An oral or written warning notice, given in good faith, regarding conduct by a tenant, occupant, or guest that violates, may violate, or violated the applicable rental agreement, rules, regulations, lease, or laws, is not a violation of this section. An oral or written explanation of the rental agreement, rules, regulations, lease, or laws given in the normal course of business is not a violation of this section.

Source: California Legislative InformationView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

Each harassment act can support a 2,000 dollar civil penalty, with actual damages, emotional distress, and attorney's fees on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is removing the front door a harassment violation?
Yes. Self-help eviction tactics like removing doors, changing locks, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out are illegal and can support both criminal and civil claims.
Does the law cover threats to call ICE?
Yes. California specifically prohibits landlords from threatening immigration enforcement against tenants or family members as a tactic to coerce them to vacate or accept worse terms.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Riverside County

All Riverside County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview

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