Constructive Evictions, Tenant Protection and Relocation (2026)

Wrongful eviction and tenant harassment claims continue to be a significant area of litigation in jurisdictions with extensive tenant protections, particularly in San Francisco and other California municipalities with local rent control and tenant protection ordinances. Attorneys handling landlord-tenant disputes must understand the interplay between state statutes, local regulations, and evolving case law in order to effectively evaluate claims, advise clients, and navigate litigation involving alleged housing rights violations.

This program provides a comprehensive educational overview of constructive (wrongful) eviction claims, tenant harassment allegations, and relocation assistance requirements under California law and local San Francisco ordinances. Participants will examine the legal standards governing landlord conduct, the circumstances that may give rise to liability, and the remedies available to tenants and property owners when violations occur.

The faculty will provide instruction on the distinctions between California statewide tenant protection laws and San Francisco's local regulatory framework, highlighting areas where local ordinances impose additional obligations or create enhanced protections. Through practical examples and case-based analysis, attendees will learn to identify common violations, evaluate potential claims and defenses, and recognize factual patterns that frequently arise in litigation.

The program will further address methods for assessing the strength and viability of a case, including investigation strategies, evidence preservation, witness evaluation, damages considerations, and procedural requirements. Participants will gain insight into the litigation process from case intake through resolution, including pleading considerations, discovery issues, motion practice, settlement evaluation, and trial preparation.

Designed for attorneys representing tenants, landlords, property managers, and other stakeholders in housing-related disputes, this program provides practical guidance and substantive legal education regarding the enforcement of tenant protections and the prosecution and defense of wrongful eviction and tenant harassment claims.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify the legal elements of constructive (wrongful) eviction claims under California and local law. 

• Recognize conduct that may constitute tenant harassment or trigger statutory liability. 

• Distinguish between California state law requirements and San Francisco-specific tenant protection ordinances. 

• Evaluate common factual scenarios and identify potential violations, claims, and defenses. 

• Assess evidentiary and procedural considerations relevant to wrongful eviction and tenant harassment matters. 

• Apply practical litigation strategies for investigating, prosecuting, defending, and resolving housing-related disputes. 

Topics Covered

• Constructive (Wrongful) Evictions 

• Tenant Harassment Claims 

• Relocation Assistance Ordinances 

• California State Law vs. San Francisco Local Law 

• Common Violations and Liability Triggers 

• Case Assessment and Investigation 

• Evidence Development and Damages Analysis 

• Litigation Strategies and Practice Considerations 

• Settlement and Trial Preparation 

• Recent Trends in Tenant Protection Enforcement