Norwalk Eviction Defense Attorney
Your home should be a place where you feel safe and protected. Learning that your landlord is taking steps to have you kicked out can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure about your options. You can protect your rights by securing representation from a Norwalk eviction defense lawyer who understands eviction defense laws. They know how to protect clients from unlawful expulsions from their homes.
Proven Results When Your Tenant Rights Are Under Attack
When your landlord decides to violate your rights or break the terms of their own lease agreement, you need legal representation that gets results. The renters’ rights team at Shield Law, APC, can hold your property owner or property management company accountable for wrongful eviction attempts.
By gathering evidence to support your case and putting your landlord on notice about their violations of the law, we can keep you from being wrongfully evicted from your home. Our founding attorney is a professor with a strong record of helping clients achieve their aims in court. As a seasoned litigator, he is not afraid to take matters before a judge when seeking justice.
Understanding Evictions in Norwalk
High rental rates in Norwalk place tenants at a higher risk of falling behind on monthly payments. The average rent sits at approximately $2,565, which is about 22% above the U.S. average. High rents can strain household budgets in neighborhoods such as Carmelitos, Studebaker, and Norwalk Manor.
From February 2023 to April 2025, the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) recorded 210,901 eviction notices countywide, with 5,427 filed in April 2025 alone. A striking 94% of these notices were issued for “non-payment of rent.”
For Norwalk renters, understanding the legal process, available defenses, and local tenant protections is crucial for preventing evictions. Tenants can fight evictions at the Los Angeles County Superior Court—Bellflower Courthouse, which is located on East Flower Street in Bellflower.
Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in Norwalk
California renters’ rights laws protect tenants in Norwalk by making sure landlords keep rental units safe and livable. Under Civil Code § 1941.1, a dwelling is considered untenantable if it substantially lacks:
- Effective waterproofing and weather protection of the roof and exterior walls, including intact windows and doors
- Working plumbing or gas facilities
- Approved hot and cold running water connected to a sewage system
- Proper heating facilities in good working order
- Electrical lighting with safe wiring and equipment
- Clean, sanitary structure
- Grounds free from debris, rodents, and vermin
- Adequate garbage receptacles in good condition
- Safe floors, stairways, and railings
Tenants also have the right to receive proper notice of inspections, repairs, or entry into their rental unit. If your landlord fails to meet these standards, you can seek repairs, withhold rent in some cases, or take legal action. A California renter’s rights attorney can explain your options and enforce these protections.
When to Hire an Eviction Defense Lawyer
If your landlord is preparing to evict you or has already started the process, the decision to hire an eviction defense lawyer could mean the difference between keeping or losing your current home. A Norwalk eviction defense attorney has years of experience in handling eviction defense cases.
An experienced lawyer knows how to slow the eviction process, negotiate directly with the landlord, and explore solutions that keep you in your home whenever possible. Whether the dispute resolves through communications between your lawyer and landlord or decisive action in court, where your lawyer explains how your rights were violated, having the right representation can greatly influence the outcome of the eviction process.
FAQs
The cost of hiring an eviction defense lawyer in California depends on how much time and resources your attorney puts into handling your case. Lawyers have an hourly rate and bill accordingly for their time. If affordability is a concern, you can discuss payment options during a consultation. A reputable attorney should be open and transparent about cost factors and billing.
An affirmative defense in a California eviction case is a legal argument. It involves showing that the landlord lacks a valid reason for their actions or failed to meet legal requirements. To bolster your defense, your lawyer can cite factors like improper notice, landlord retaliation, or unsafe living conditions. Establishing a credible defense can prevent your removal from your property, but documentation and timely responses are critical.
As of 2025, Assembly Bill 2347 extends the time tenants have to respond to an eviction effort from five calendar days to 10 business days. This extra time allows tenants to seek legal help, prepare defenses, and avoid default judgments. The change applies statewide and gives renters more opportunities to protect their housing rights in court.
To successfully fight an eviction, you can work with an attorney to show that the landlord acted outside the law by engaging in actions like retaliation. You can also fight your eviction by showing that your landlord failed to provide proper notice. To support your claim, you can collect evidence like correspondence, photos, and witness statements. Acting quickly allows you to assert your rights and potentially halt the eviction.
Contact Shield Law, APC, Today
Facing an eviction in California can be an unsettling experience that threatens your housing stability and financial security. Strict legal timelines and procedural requirements make it essential to act quickly and decisively. Whether the issue involves disputed rent, alleged lease violations, or retaliation, finding the right lawyer can mean the difference between losing your home and preserving your right to stay.
At Shield Law, APC, Professor Kareem Aref brings extensive state and federal court litigation experience to every eviction case he handles. His background as both a prosecutor and civil litigator provides him with the experience he needs to defend his clients. Contact our office today to protect your home and future.