‘My Landlord’s Retaliation’

Shereen, an Alameda local and longtime renter, moved into a new apartment on the Gold Coast. As an artist who enjoys painting scenery, she wanted to be closer to the beach. Her new landlord, Mason, lived nearby. He was also an artist, and the pair would often talk about their shared passion. Things seemed to be going great in the new place.

All of that changed when Shereen started to have issues with the apartment that required Mason’s help. First it was a minor plumbing repair. Shortly thereafter, a more serious repair was needed to address a leak coming from upstairs. The more she asked him for help with repairs the more his anger grew. Anytime she needed something, Mason would react with frustration. Eventually he refused to do any basic maintenance or repairs at all. Shereen, seeing no other option, contacted the City of Alameda for help.

That’s when things got really bad. Mason started making threats and harassing Shereen, outraged that she had gone to the City. He later cut off essential services such as heating and water, and made excuses to keep them off for extended periods of time.

Finally, after many sleepless nights, Shereen decided to call the City Attorney’s office for help.

Mason’s behavior had violated a few different laws. In the City of Alameda, it’s illegal for management to retaliate when a tenant asserts their rights or reports a problem to the City. It’s also illegal to purposely harass a tenant with threats, fighting words, or refusal to do required maintenance or repairs. After the City Attorney’s Office got involved, Mason changed his behavior and agreed to follow the law.

If you have a question about the law or a complaint in the City of Alameda, contact the City Attorney’s Office at 510-747-4775 or email rfenix@alamedacityattorney.org. The Alameda City Attorney’s Prosecution and Public Rights Unit enforces the law and educates the public on issues including tenants’ rights, workers’ rights, and consumer protection.

The names and facts have been changed, but this story is similar to cases we have handled.

Rico Fenix is a Paralegal-Investigator for the Alameda City Attorney’s Office. Email him at rfenix@alamedacityattorney.org .

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