{"id":369222,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/illegal-retaliatory-evictions.html"},"modified":"2026-09-17T13:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T18:08:00","slug":"illegal-retaliatory-evictions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/illegal-retaliatory-evictions.html","title":{"rendered":"Retaliatory Evictions: Resources for Tenants and Landlords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Retaliatory Evictions: Resources for Tenants and Landlords<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

It can be overwhelming for both tenants and landlords to navigate the rules regarding retaliatory evictions. What constitutes illegal landlord retaliation, such as rent hikes or service cuts following a complaint versus lawful lease enforcement, isn\u2019t always obvious. Both tenants and landlords benefit from professional legal help if they are facing retaliatory actions or accused of unlawful retaliation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Almost all states prohibit landlords from evicting tenants in retaliation for asserting their legal rights. For example, suppose a tenant makes a complaint about their rental unit. If the complaint is in good faith and made for a valid reason, it should be taken seriously. The landlord can’t punish the tenant by trying to end the tenancy or by making the tenant’s life difficult.<\/p>\n

This article explains retaliatory landlord actions<\/a> and the legal protections both property owners and tenants should know. Find links to helpful resources, learn when to get legal help, and get information on state laws.<\/p>\n

The most valuable resource is professional legal help. Whether you are a tenant facing harassment or a landlord managing a dispute with a renter, consulting a landlord-tenant attorney<\/a> can protect your legal rights and guide your next steps.<\/p>\n

Valid Tenant Complaints<\/h2>\n

Examples of potentially valid tenant complaints include:<\/p>\n