Immigration-status threats are illegal harassment
No. In California, it is illegal for a landlord to use a tenant's immigration status as a weapon — for example, threatening to report you or your family to immigration authorities to pressure you to move out, pay more, or drop a complaint.
California law provides strong protections here. A landlord generally cannot threaten to disclose a tenant's immigration or citizenship status to authorities as a tactic to harass, intimidate, retaliate, or influence a tenant to leave. These protections apply regardless of a tenant's immigration status, because the law recognizes housing rights should not be enforced through fear.
This kind of threat is a serious form of harassment and can carry significant consequences for the landlord.
If your landlord is threatening you about your immigration status, document exactly what was said and when, and save any messages. You do not have to give in to this kind of pressure. A free, confidential review — kept confidential — can explain your rights and how to respond. Our firm also handles immigration matters and can help you understand your options.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.