Fighting for Tenants Rights

Serving All of California

WHAT WE DO

Practice Areas

Habitability
We represent tenants living in substandard conditions. This may include:
Cockroaches
Bed bugs
Rodents
No heat or water
Electrical problems
Leaking or falling ceilings
Gas leaks
Housing Discrimination
We fight for equal access to housing for all. Examples of discrimination may include:
Overly restrictive rules that limit daily life such as where children can play
Refusal to make reasonable accommodations to housing rules to afford a disabled person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling
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OUR STAFF

Meet The Team

Chandra Spencer

Partner

Margaret Elder

Partner

David Elder

Of Counsel

Lanetta Rinehart

Of Counsel

Shyann Murphy

Associate
FAQ

Any Questions?

Housing discrimination is illegal under both federal law (Fair Housing Act, U.S. Code § 3601) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Tenants are protected from experiencing housing discrimination based on:

  • Gender
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Race, color, or national origin
  • Sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Familial status (such as being a parent)

Housing discrimination can play out in various ways, such as:

  • A landlord imposing strict rules on where children are allowed to play
  • A landlord refusing to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities
  • A landlord denying applications or unjustly evicting tenants based on a protected characteristic

Our skilled attorneys help tenants file complaints with the appropriate agencies, represent the tenant in negotiations or court, and work to secure a positive legal result.

California landlords must provide safe and livable housing to their tenants, including maintaining functional utilities and addressing health or safety risks. Even so, some landlords fail to comply, leaving tenants to deal with:

  • Electrical problems
  • Leaking or falling ceilings
  • No access to heat or hot water
  • Sewage backups or plumbing issues
  • Gas leaks or other hazardous conditions
  • Pest infestations (e.g., cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents)

California protects tenants’ rights to habitable living conditions under the implied warranty of habitability, governed by California Civil Code § 1941.1 (2023). If a landlord fails to address habitability issues after proper notification, a tenant has the right to pursue legal action.

Our team of qualified California attorneys help tenants understand their rights, navigate complex landlord-tenant disputes, and take legal action to hold negligent landlords accountable.

We serve clients throughout California, including but not limited to Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, the Inland Empire, the Central Valley, and the Bay Area.

The timeline for a legal case varies depending on its complexity, the cooperation of all parties involved, and the court's schedule. At Elder & Spencer, we work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while always prioritizing the best outcome for you. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

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TESTIMONIALS

What They Say About Us

After dealing with unsafe and unacceptable living conditions for over 10 years, it’s incredibly validating to finally work with a legal team that understands both the legal complexities and the human impact this has had on my family.
– Veronica
5 stars plus! Elder & Spencer went above and beyond any expectations in a situation with an unscrupulous landlord. I would have been lost without them. Kudos to Margaret and team. They are the best and I am forever grateful.
– Gayle
Our family is very grateful for Elder and Spencer LLP and everyone who worked on our case. They’ve made us feel that we matter and understood our rights. Patience is key but worth every time waiting for justice.
– J.
Chandra and her team are the absolute best! Throughout the life of my case, she was very professional, tact, empathetic, knowledgeable and all the great things that you could ask for when looking to get a sense of resolution for a difficult situation.
– Paul