$1M recovered
Recovered $1 million for a homeowner after a plumber's negligence flooded the house.
2026Home / Residential Leases · Los Angeles
Residential lease lawyer in Los Angeles.
Questions about an apartment or house lease? Deposits, repairs, rent increases and leaving early are governed by detailed California and local rules. We help tenants and landlords understand their rights and resolve disputes.
Common lease questions we handle
- Security deposits: how much can be charged and what can be deducted.
- Repairs and habitability problems the landlord has not fixed.
- Rent increases and whether they are allowed.
- Breaking a lease early, roommates and subletting.
- Reviewing a lease before you sign it.
- Disputes over lease terms, fees and charges.
Security deposits
For most residential leases signed after July 1, 2024, California limits the security deposit to one month's rent, with an exception allowing two months for certain small landlords. After move-out, the landlord generally has 21 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. Improper deductions can lead to liability for the deposit and, in some cases, penalties.
Repairs and rent increases
Landlords must keep a rental in habitable condition, and tenants have specific, limited remedies when they do not. Many units in California are also covered by statewide rent-increase limits, and units in the City of Los Angeles may be subject to stricter local rent stabilization rules. Whether a rule applies depends on the property, its age and the type of owner.
How we help
Many lease problems are solved with a clear, well-documented letter that cites the right rules. When that does not work, we advise on the next step. A short call is often enough to know where you stand.
Free 20-minute call to see if we can help: (310) 415-9499. We speak English and Farsi.
Case results
Recent results.
Selected outcomes from the firm’s closed matters.
$2.2M recovered
Recovered approximately $2.2 million for a private lender owed on defaulted notes secured by real estate.
2025Dismissed
Criminal case against a commercial property owner and its company over a cannabis tenant. Dismissed as to both.
2022Dismissed
Property owner charged with building-permit violations tied to a tenant's dispensary. Case dismissed.
2025Results depend on the facts of each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Client details are withheld for privacy.
Common questions
Questions clients ask first.
General information about California law, not legal advice for your situation.
Can I break my lease early?
Usually you remain responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented, but the landlord must make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant. Some situations, such as certain military orders or domestic violence, give tenants specific rights to end a lease early.
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
Generally 21 days after you move out, either returning the deposit or giving you an itemized list of deductions, with receipts for larger charges.
Can my landlord raise the rent as much as they want?
Not always. Many California rentals are covered by statewide limits on annual increases, and many units in the City of Los Angeles have stricter local limits. Some properties, such as many newer buildings and certain single-family homes, are exempt.
Client reviews
5.0 stars on Google from 46 clients.
As a full-time real estate professional in Beverly Hills for the past 18 years, I have worked with many legal experts, and my experience with this landlord-tenant attorney was exceptional. … Thanks to their brilliant strategy, the tenant vacated without needing to go to trial, saving me significant time, stress, and expense.
As an attorney myself, I'm very selective about who I work with, and I can confidently say this firm did an outstanding job. … Within just a few emails, the landlord became responsive and began addressing maintenance requests promptly and professionally.
I highly recommend Saman Manavi for real estate legal advisory services. He was prompt in responding to our correspondence, efficient in handling our matters, and consistently provided thoughtful, sound advice.
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Contact
Get answers in one phone call.
The first 20 minutes are free. Have any documents handy, such as a contract, lease, citation or police report, and a short description of what you hope to achieve.
Email
saman@manavilaw.com
Include a short description of your legal issue and the best number to reach you.