Where to file
Where to file a tenant complaint.
Different problems go to different offices. A rent overcharge, an unsafe unit, harassment, and discrimination are each handled by their own agency. The right office depends on the city you live in and the kind of problem.
Before you file anything, document what is happening. The records you keep now are what make a complaint or a case work later.
This page explains the law in plain English to help you get oriented. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not make us your lawyers. Laws and yearly figures change. For what applies to your situation, give us a call.
Document first
Take dated photos and video of any condition. Save every notice, text, and email, and keep the envelopes. Write down dates, times, and what was said in each conversation. Send repair requests in writing so there is a record the landlord received them.
A clear, dated record is the single most useful thing a tenant can build, no matter which office the complaint goes to.
City and county offices
In the City of Los Angeles, the Housing Department handles rent stabilization, harassment, and code complaints. For unsafe structures, Building and Safety handles building hazards. In the wider county, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs answers rent and eviction questions.
Cities with their own rent control, like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Pasadena, run their own offices for rent questions.
State and federal offices
For discrimination, the California Civil Rights Department handles state complaints, and HUD handles federal fair housing complaints. These have deadlines, often one year from when the discrimination happened, so it helps to act early.
If you are not sure which office fits your situation, that is something we can help you sort out on a free call.
Where to file a complaint
- LA Housing Department (LAHD)
Rent stabilization, harassment, habitability and code
- LA Dept. of Building & Safety (LADBS)
Unsafe structures and building hazards
- LA County Consumer & Business Affairs (DCBA)
County rent and eviction questions
- California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
Housing discrimination (FEHA)
- U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
Federal fair housing complaints
- Santa Monica Rent Control Board
Santa Monica rent control
If you are not sure how any of this applies to you, that is exactly what a free call is for. We will tell you where you stand.
Give us a call(310) 265-5000