The relationship between a landlord and a tenant is supposed to be simple. You pay rent, you get a safe place to live, and both sides follow the lease. When it breaks down, it rarely breaks down in your favor, and most tenants do not find out what their rights are until they are already in trouble.
That is exactly where I come in.
My name is Alex Murad. I am a California-licensed attorney based in Ojai, and I represent tenants throughout Ventura County in the full range of landlord-tenant disputes. Whether you are facing eviction, fighting for repairs, or trying to get your security deposit back, I can help you understand where you stand and what to do next.
How I Help Ojai and Ventura County Tenants
Landlord-tenant law covers a lot of ground. These are the issues I see most often from renters in Ojai and across Ventura County.
If you have been served with a notice or an unlawful detainer lawsuit, the clock is already running. California eviction timelines move fast, and many notices are defective. This is time-sensitive, so do not wait to get advice.
Every California rental comes with an implied warranty of habitability, and it applies no matter how much you pay. A high-end price tag does not lower the standard, and a landlord cannot make you sign that protection away in the lease. When a landlord ignores mold, leaks, heat, plumbing, or other serious problems, you have options, and those conditions can also be a defense if the landlord tries to evict you.
Security Deposit Disputes
Under Civil Code 1950.5, a landlord generally has 21 days after you move out to return your deposit or give you an itemized statement of any deductions. Landlords cannot keep your deposit for ordinary wear and tear, and improper withholding can expose them to additional liability.
Rent Increases and Just Cause
California’s Tenant Protection Act limits how much rent can go up each year for many tenants and requires a just cause to end many tenancies after twelve months. Whether these protections apply depends on your property and your landlord, which is worth having reviewed before you accept an increase or a notice to vacate.
Illegal Lockouts and Utility Shutoffs
A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off your utilities to force you out without a court order. Under Civil Code 789.3, these self-help tactics are illegal in California and can entitle you to damages.
Retaliation
If your landlord raises the rent, serves a notice, or otherwise comes after you shortly after you complained about conditions or asserted your rights, that may be unlawful retaliation under Civil Code 1942.5.
Beyond these, I also represent mobilehome and manufactured-home residents in park and space disputes, and I handle disability and fair housing matters for tenants who have been denied a reasonable accommodation or treated unfairly. And when unsafe conditions in a rental cause real injuries, I handle tenant injury and premises liability claims as well.
A Lawyer in Your Corner, Before Things Escalate
You do not have to wait until you are sued to talk to a lawyer. Some of the most valuable work I do happens early, reviewing a lease before you sign, responding to a questionable notice, or sending a letter that gets a landlord’s attention before a small problem becomes a court case.
When it does end up in court, having counsel matters. Landlords, especially larger ones, often show up with attorneys while tenants show up alone. I help even the field.
Why Hire Me?
I am a solo practitioner, which means when you hire me, you get me. Not a paralegal. Not a junior associate. Me.
I am based right here in Ojai and I practice throughout Ventura County. I focus on landlord-tenant law because I believe housing is too important to be left undefended. I have volunteered at a local legal aid clinic, which means I understand what it looks like when people genuinely need help and cannot get it. That drives the way I practice.
I bring what I call ranch grit to every case. A work ethic and level of persistence that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Do Not Wait
Most landlord-tenant problems get harder and more expensive the longer they sit. If you are a tenant in Ojai or anywhere in Ventura County and something feels off, the sooner you talk to an attorney, the more options you have.
The initial consultation is always free, and you can see exactly how I charge on my fees and costs page.
Call or text: 805-295-4197 Email: alexmurad@ranchgritlaw.com
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site or communicating with the Law Office of Alex Murad through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Licensed to practice law in California only.