The laws that make harassment illegal
Yes. California law prohibits many forms of landlord harassment, and a landlord who crosses the line can face real consequences, including money damages and penalties.
Several laws work together here. Civil Code Section 1940.2 bars landlords from using force, threats, menace, or fraud to try to make a tenant move out, and from seriously violating the rules on entering a tenant's home. Civil Code Section 789.3 prohibits shutting off utilities or locking a tenant out to force them to leave. Civil Code Section 1942.5 protects tenants from retaliation for exercising their rights. Many cities also have their own tenant anti-harassment ordinances with added protections.
These laws exist because a landlord must use the proper legal process — not intimidation or "self-help" tactics — to deal with tenants.
When a landlord violates these rules, tenants may be entitled to compensation and statutory penalties, and abusive conduct can sometimes carry other legal consequences too. If you believe your landlord is harassing you, a free, confidential review can explain your rights and what remedies may be available.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.