Law Offices of David L. McCarthy

The Renters Lawyer Tenant Defense Law

Consultations

Start with a Tenant-Law Consultation

Scheduling a consultation with a California tenant attorney is the first and most important step toward resolving your landlord-tenant issue. During your consultation, I’ll review your situation in detail, explain your legal rights under California law, and outline the best strategy to protect your home and finances.

In many cases, the next step after the consultation is a formal attorney letter or demand to the landlord. This correspondence often proves highly effective in resolving disputes — from repair and habitability issues to security deposit conflicts, harassment, and early lease termination matters — without the need for court involvement.

All of my legal services are offered at fair, affordable flat-fee rates. That means no hourly billing surprises and complete transparency about the cost of each service from the start. Whether you need a tenant rights consultation, lease-break letter, or eviction defense, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how much it will cost.

If you’re a California renter facing a difficult landlord, don’t wait — schedule your tenant consultation today and get the knowledgeable, affordable legal help you deserve.

Book An Appointment

Resolve Your Rental Issues Today

Standing Up to Your Landlord Can Be Challenging

Dealing with your landlord through legal channels can be stressful and confusing. You don’t have to face it alone. Having an experienced California tenant-rights attorney on your side can make the difference between losing your home and protecting it.

I’ll take the time to review your situation, explain your legal options clearly, and outline the best path forward. My goal is to help you understand your rights so you can make informed, confident decisions about how to proceed.

I focus exclusively on tenant representation and eviction defense. I’ve helped renters across San Diego, Los Angeles, and throughout California fight back against unlawful evictions, landlord harassment, unsafe living conditions, and unfair rental practices.

Whether you’re facing an eviction, need to end a lease because of poor conditions, or want to force needed repairs, I’m here to protect your rights, your home, and your peace of mind. From your first consultation to the resolution of your case, you’ll have a dedicated advocate who knows the law — and stands firmly in your corner.

Scales of Justice and a judge’s gavel on a desk with law books in the background

Time Is Critical in Landlord-Tenant Disputes

When it comes to landlord-tenant issues in California, time is everything. Problems that are ignored or delayed can quickly escalate — leading to eviction filings, financial losses, damage to your credit or rental record, and even homelessness. The sooner you take action, the stronger your position becomes.

A skilled tenant-rights attorney can help you take early, strategic action to protect your rights and secure your home. Whether you’re facing unlawful eviction, retaliation, harassment, or habitability violations, developing a strong tenant defense strategy can stop your landlord’s actions in their tracks, uncover violations of California housing law, and put you back in control of your situation.

If you’ve been served with an eviction notice (Unlawful Detainer) or suspect your landlord is preparing to remove you, don’t wait — every day matters. I’m here to help you understand your legal options, respond effectively, and fight to keep your home.

Reach out today for experienced, affordable help from a California tenant lawyer who fights exclusively for renters.

Realtor handing the keys to house to a person holding a small model house in their hands

Even the Playing Field — Protect Your Rights as a California Tenant

Landlords often begin with a built-in advantage — they have more resources, deeper experience, and lawyers dedicated to protecting their financial interests. Many tenants, by contrast, feel outmatched, ignored, or pressured into giving up their rights just to avoid conflict.

That’s where I come in. My legal practice is devoted exclusively to tenant advocacy and eviction defense throughout California. I do not represent landlords. My sole focus is standing up for renters — protecting their homes, their finances, and their dignity.

Whether you are dealing with landlord harassment, retaliation for requesting repairs, an illegal rent increase, or an unlawful eviction lawsuit, I’ll help you level the playing field. You don’t have to face an experienced property owner or management company alone.

With skilled legal guidance, clear communication, and a strong defense strategy, you can push back against landlord abuse, assert your rights under California’s tenant protection laws, and regain control of your situation.

If your landlord has crossed the line, it’s time to fight back. Contact me today to speak with an experienced California tenant rights lawyer who stands firmly on the side of renters — and only renters.

Services We Offer

Residential and Commercial Tenancies
Eviction Defense – Residential and Commercial
Staying Sheriff Lockouts
Setting Aside Default Judgments
Deposit Returns

Repair Issues
Stopping Harassment
Mobile Home Residency Law
Mold Contamination
Habitability Issues

Quiet Enjoyment Issues
3/5/30/60/90 Day Notices
Lease Breaks
Commercial Lease Review

Commercial Lease Negotiations
Defending Foreclosure Evictions
Writs of Possession
Defending Bank Levies

Attorney Bio

David L. McCarthy, Esq.

Dedicated to Protecting California Tenants

I am committed to defending the rights of tenants across California by providing effective, affordable legal services designed specifically for renters. Every tenant deserves knowledgeable representation — not just landlords with deeper pockets and attorneys on call.

Landlords almost always start from a position of greater power, backed by resources, experience, and legal counsel focused on protecting their interests. My mission is to level the playing field by shifting that balance of power back toward you, the tenant.

As a California tenant rights lawyer, my role is to put you on the offensive — not the defensive. I’ll help you understand your legal rights under California’s strong housing laws, outline every available option, and craft a tenant defense strategy designed to protect your home, finances, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re facing an eviction notice, landlord harassment, unsafe living conditions, or unlawful rent increases, I’ll work with you to take decisive legal action and achieve the best possible outcome. My goal is to empower tenants through knowledge, advocacy, and action — because you deserve to feel safe, secure, and respected where you live.

Learn More About Us

Attorney David L. McCarthy sitting at a desk talking on the phone

Needed Help

I recently needed some help navigating a notice to vacate. David was quick to respond and his consultation helped me to clearly understand my options, so I could make an educated decision on how..

Nicole H.

Amazing Attorney

Amazing attorney, highly recommend , if you want a quick answer or respond just email him and he’ll respond right away, I received a written complaint from my landlord, he was so quick to respond..

Latifa B.

Help with HOA

I was at my with ends when my landlord wont re up my lease for another year cause HOA complaint about my autistic sister picking at the plants in the property I told David about my situation and he wr..

Steve A.

Contact Information

Telephone Appointments Available

Law Offices of David L. McCarthy

Mailing Address: 325 W. Washington Street, Suite 2631, San Diego, CA 92103 (Note: All services are performed remotely)

Email [preferred]: david@therenterslawyer.com
Phone: 858-215-1234
Fax: 858-205-6335

Hours

Mon: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

No attorney-client relationship is established merely by the information conveyed by this website.

No legal opinions are expressed herein without a prior attorney-client relationship.

Site Links

Contact Information

Mailing Address: 325 W. Washington Street, Suite 2631, San Diego, CA 92103 (all services performed remotely)

Email: david@therenterslawyer.com
Phone: 858-215-1234
Fax: 858-205-6335

Hours: Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm