Unlawful Debt Collection by Landlords — San Diego Tenant Rights Attorneys

Landlords Can’t Harass or Misreport You Over Debts You Don’t Owe

In California, landlords must follow strict rules when seeking payment from tenants. Aggressive, deceptive, or unlawful debt collection practices are illegal, whether during your tenancy or after you move out.

At Renter Warriors, our San Diego tenant attorneys help renters fight landlords who engage in illegal debt collection, false reporting to credit agencies, or threats to involve collection agencies.

Call (866) 219-3343  today for a free consultation.
Stop unlawful landlord debt collection before it damages your credit or housing record.

What Landlords Can’t Do

Landlords are prohibited from using illegal tactics to collect alleged debts, including:

Threatening eviction or legal action over a debt you don’t owe

Reporting false balances or late payments to credit bureaus

Hiring collection agencies to harass tenants

Misrepresenting amounts owed or attempting to collect fees that are illegal under law

Calling or texting repeatedly in a harassing or abusive manner

These practices violate California law, including state consumer protection statutes, and can entitle tenants to financial damages.

During Tenancy vs. After Tenancy

During tenancy:
Landlords must follow California’s rent and fee rules, and cannot threaten tenants with collection actions for disputed charges.

After tenancy:
Once a tenant moves out, landlords may attempt to collect unpaid rent or fees, but they must comply with the law, including:

  • Providing an itemized accounting of the debt (such as deductions from security deposits)
  • Following legal procedures before sending a debt to a collector
  • Avoiding false reporting to credit agencies

 

Illegal post-tenancy reporting can damage your credit history and affect future housing opportunities.

Tenant Remedies for Unlawful Debt Collection

If your landlord has violated the law, you may be entitled to:

  • Stop debt collection harassment
    • Cease all unlawful calls, emails, or letters immediately
  • Sue for damages
    • Recover money for false claims, emotional distress, or harm to your credit
  • Correct false credit reporting
    • Force landlords and credit agencies to remove incorrect information
  • Prevent retaliation or eviction
    • California law protects tenants from retaliation for disputing alleged debts

Acting quickly is crucial — unlawful reporting and harassment can escalate fast.

Why You Need a San Diego Tenant Attorney for Debt Collection Issues

Our attorneys help tenants:

  • Investigate false claims or illegal fees
  • Document harassment and violations of state and federal law
  • Communicate with landlords, collectors, and credit bureaus on your behalf
  • File lawsuits or administrative complaints when necessary
  • Protect tenants from credit damage, eviction threats, or financial exploitation

 

We fight to ensure landlords cannot take advantage of tenants through unlawful debt collection practices.

Serving San Diego Tenants Across the County

We represent tenants in San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Poway, Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, La Jolla, Point Loma, and surrounding areas.

Call (866) 219-3343 today for a free consultation.
Protect your credit, your finances, and your rights — don’t let landlords harass you over debts you don’t owe.

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