TENANT LAWYERS
AGGRESSIVE. DEDICATED. PROVEN RESULTS.
Wrongful Eviction
Elke & Merchant LLP are experienced wrongful eviction lawyers dedicated to protecting tenant rights throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Failure to Repair
All tenants have the basic right to live in a safe and habitable home. If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, you have rights.
Landlord Harassment
It is illegal under both state and local law for a landlord to harass you or discriminate against you as a tenant.
Tenant Lawyers
San Francisco Tenant Lawyers Who Will Fight For You
Elke & Merchant LLP are experienced tenant lawyers dedicated to protecting tenant rights throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We represent tenants in all types of actions against landlords, including eviction defense, Rent Board petitions, and affirmative lawsuits related to wrongful eviction, harassment, and habitability issues.
Tom Elke and Alex Merchant have helped clients secure millions of dollars and tried over twenty-five jury trials to verdict.
We only represent tenants. Never landlords.
Tenant News
What to do when your apartment floods
Heavy rains can cause flooding and water intrusions in your home. Perhaps your roof is leaking. The ceiling is cracked. Water is dripping from a light fixture. As a tenant, it can be frustrating and stressful when your landlord fails to make necessary repairs to your apartment after a flood. Not only can it be inconvenient to live in a damaged unit, but it can also pose a risk to your health and safety. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that your landlord fulfills their legal… CONTINUE
Read MoreAlameda County Eviction Moratorium Set to End on April 29, 2023
Alameda County’s eviction moratorium is set to expire on April 29, 2023. The eviction moratorium prohibited all evictions except for Ellis Act evictions and evictions in which the continued occupancy by the resident poses an imminent threat to health or safety. The Alameda County eviction moratorium was in place since the beginning of Covid and was designed to end 60 days after expiration of the local health emergency. On February 28, 2023, Alameda County ended its local health emergency. Note that Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro all still have their own eviction city-mandated eviction moratoriums. Those eviction moratoriums will continue… CONTINUE
Read MoreUpdated Relocation Payment Amounts for San Francisco No-Fault Evictions
The San Francisco Rent Board has published updated relocation payment amounts for certain no-fault evictions. For eviction notices served between March 1, 2023 and February 28, 2024, the relocation amount due per tenant is $7,540, with a cap of $22,618, plus $5,027 if the household has a minor child, plus $5,027 for each person who is 60 years of age or older or is disabled within the meaning of Government Code section 12955.3. There is no cap on the amount paid for being elderly, disabled, or a household with a minor child. Thus, the total relocation payment can exceed $22,618. For example, a… CONTINUE
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