Thanks to Rahman and Joe at Tobener Ravenscroft. They did a great job handling my case against a landlord who made my rental in Lafayette uninhabitable while I was still living there without serving notice. They were able to get a settlement from the landlord's insurance carrier and avoided having to go to court which was good. They were very professional in how they handled my case for Constructive Eviction, Breach of Warranty of Habitability, Breach of Right to Quiet Enjoyment of Home, and Negligence. The story about what my former landlord did is pretty outrageous. She hired a meth addict to work on the unit and the meth addict proceeded to demolish the place without fixing anything before murdering a lady in Walnut Creek while "on the job" at my place, and then he held the cops at bay in a standoff in Martinez for 19 hours. All the while, the landlord was in and out of my place everyday because the guy she hired, the murderer, left the backdoor of the hinges and the place was totally unsecured for months. Needless to say, it was a nightmare experience of a lifetime and I am thankful that Rahman and Joe were able to take my case. The landlord failed to serve notice of repairs and demolished the kitchen and bathroom while I was still living there. She also went through all my stuff and moved it all around without my permission and at one point while I was away had it all loaded up on her truck ready to take it to storage. It's a good thing to know that guys like Joe and Rahman are out there to advocate for people who are victimized by slumlords run amuck. I am so glad they took my case on contingency because they were able to settle with the insurance company for about $55k which helped cover my relocation expenses after a nightmare experience with the landlord. Tobener and Ravenscroft specialize in tenant rights laws. I learned a tremendous amount from them about the rights of tenants. If you are having problems with a scummy landlord, you should get in touch these guys and see if they can help. I recommend them, they know what they are doing when it comes to the law and the landlord's responsibilities and the tenants rights. read more

I never thought I would need to speak with a tenants rights lawyer in this lifetime. However in this new topsy-turvey world in which we live, anything is possible. I was in a situation where I wanted to know my rights as a tenant in SF. My apartment was up for renewal and I didn't believe my landlord was going to work work with me (based on info I received from neighbors who struggled with the same issue). I felt I should be offered the new market rate ($1,100 less than they were offering in my renewal). I needed to be prepared to negotiate and ask them why new tenants were offered the new way lower price, but current tenants would be forced to pay the same rate. I was nervous and ready for a fight, but dreading it as well. From start to finish, I had a great experience with this firm. Becky answered the phone was so nice and caring. She let me tell my story and then I ended up getting 30 min with Tina Collins, who was awesome. Totally empathetic to my potential situation. She let me know what the deal was and gave me a few good things to say (which I really didn't end up needing, but knowing I had a few retorts gave me the extra confidence I needed). It turns out if we are not in a rent controlled building we have no rights. And landlords can do whatever they want as long as they don't raise it more than 10% a year. Which needs to change as people like me, not rich, not low income are literally being forced out of SF. There should be rent control in the entire city of SF, not just old buildings. It makes no sense and I have no clue who came up with this (probably landlords!). I really want to try to get this changed and am going to figure out how to try to do so. Low and behold, my landlord worked with me and was gracious and really nice! And they lowered my rent! So I worried for nothing, but was glad I called them. I highly recommend this firm if you need some empathy, good advice and what turned out to be some much needed therapy! :) read more

After the pandemic. I received three eviction notices from the former landlord after being a perfect tenant for over 10 years. I was disparate and hopeless not knowing what to do. I was still in college finishing up my last semester. I had nowhere to go and could not find another unit available in the area. It was winter, it was cold and it was the holidays. I started calling around to find an attorney in town. I would ask if they were experts in tenant law and many attorneys were not. My good friend was an attorney, but he is not an expert in tenant's law. I found a local attorney to go to court and fight the unlawful detainer case against me. I continued to research online for tenant's attorneys. I found their website by accident. I reach out to Tobener Ravenscroft and paid for a 30 min phone consultation. I was very happy that now I had some guidance to fight the unlawful detainer case. My evictions case was ongoing thru July 2, 2022 to July 31, 2023, 12 months of trauma and harassment none stop. The landlord represented to the court her direct family was moving in. I had no choice but to move out. Six weeks after I moved out, a "For Rent" sign went up and a new tenant soon moved in for a higher rental amount than I was paying. So, I again contacted Tobener Ravenscroft for the second time asking if they would represent me and file a lawsuit against the former landlord for wrongful eviction and harassment! Five weeks ago, we reach a settlement. I'm very happy for their amazing guidance and professional representation. I would like to say thank you to Joe and Emily for the amazing teamwork! I would highly recommend them to any tenant who needs help. If anyone has a similar situation like mine, wrongful eviction or harassment you should contact this firm. Thank you once again to Joe and Emily! Keep up the amazing work! read more

I had a very bad experience with Joe Tobener and the Tobener Law Center. I think each client should determine for himself or herself whether an attorney is the right fit, but at the same time I feel that it is important that potential clients have honest and accurate information to use when making their decision. That is the point of this review. Joe is great with the sales pitch when trying to hook clients but it is a different story when it comes time to deliver. I had a tenant/landlord claim and Joe Tobener agreed to represent me on contingency. We made a deal as to the percentage because there were things he wanted me to do that would be a benefit to him (nothing inappropriate). I held up my end of the contract and Joe got what he wanted; when it came time to pursue my housing claim - his end of the contract - Joe decided that my case was too small for him and he refused to move forward, which in addition to scamming me, wasted five months of my time. In my opinion, Joe does the same thing that the landlords in San Francisco are currently doing - selling out to the highest bidder. He is making a generous amount of money off of the housing market, just the same as the landlords. He dumps the smaller cases in lieu of those more profitable. It is the same as landlords unjustly evicting tenants just so they can hike up the rent. He made it very clear to me that my case and I came last. While I understand that Joe is running a business, I think morals come into play in all businesses and taking without living up to his end of the contract is immoral in my book. Furthermore, Joe has tried to scare and bully me into keeping quiet - which is why this review is being written anonymously. I would not be surprised if this same sort of thing has happened before with other clients. If it has, I encourage them to speak out. read more

I was pretty clueless for a while when it comes to renters law and renters rights. Yes, we have rights, and I don't condone going into rental situations being naive. Mr. Tobener is a strong advocate for the rights of tenants. He educated me about a stinky situation I had the unfortunate pleasure of smelling, and helped me resolve it. A skunk crawled under my front porch and died. The smell was atrocious ("fortunately" it was just rotting flesh; its scent sack was still in tact). Then there were the flies. Lots of flies. The landlords were unresponsive and unsympathetic. The husband and wife dynamic-retarduo refused to repair it. Their favorite stance was, "Not my fault, not my responsibility!" Oh, but it IS their responsibility. When I mentioned the Warranty of Habitability to them, things changed pretty quick. The rotting skunk was gone that weekend thanks to my counsel with Mr. Tobener. He was very easy to talk to, easy to reach, a great listener, and actually followed up with me versus me having to track him down. He was very sympathetic. He was ready to help me further if my initial steps he encouraged me to take upon myself failed. And, I could tell that he genuinely cared for the rights of renters. The Warranty of Habitability specifies that landlords are responsible for providing a non-hazardous living space. Seems like a no-brainer. The basics must be in place so that your living space is unobstructed and unhindered...water, heat, electricity, no dead animals rotting around, no zombies, etc. In my case, Mr. Tobener armed and empowered me with the knowledge to help myself, and it worked. When stressful situations arise, finding the right people to help just ads to the headaches. I acted on a recommendation for Mr. Tobener and was happy to do so. Go with Joe! Thanks Joe. read more

I was having issues with the new owners of my apartment building that I have resided in for the last 10 years. Recently they served me with Three (3) Day Notices, one to get rid of a non-operational vehicle from my assigned parking spot, and the other to rehome my two small dogs. I provided to him documentation from my doctor advising him that they are emotional support animals that help alleviate my depression and anxiety issues, yet he was adamant that they be removed, and insisted to the Berkeley Rent Board that they be removed. An attorney in my office referred me to Christa Conry of the Tobener Ravenscroft Law Center. Upon contacting Ms. Conry, she directed me to the case law which affirmed that I was entitled to keep my emotional support animals. Her knowledge of tenant's rights and her obvious concern was the impetus for me to retain her and her firm's services to represent me and write a letter to my landlord explaining that I have a legal right to my care animals, as well as the right to safe housing, explaining that several year old code violations had yet to be corrected. The letter clearly laid out what his responsibilities were as a landlord, and the possible financial repercussions he could face if he continued to press for the removal of my support dogs, and his failure to repair the defects by the City of Berkeley Housing Code Enforcement Office. By engaging Ms. Conry and her firm's assistance, much of the anxiety and trauma incurred by the prospect of losing my dogs has been alleviated. I would strongly encourage anyone that is having issues with their housing and/or landlord to contact the Tobener Ravenscroft Law Center for assistance. P.S. My apartment complex is now advertising as Pet Friendly! read more

I lived in the same apartment in the Sunset district for thirty years and faithfully paid rent and cared for the property of my absentee landlord. A series of events that began with intrusions on my privacy and threats, indicated a situational change to a megalomaniacal stance, multiplied by the increase of value of the property, and a refusal to recognize obligations to me as a tenant. I was faced with the choice of tolerating the new abusive atmosphere, educating myself and debating with my landlord, turned adversary, or abandoning my home. I contacted the Tobener firm and immediately was given support and guidance that allowed me to navigate the onslaught of illegal harassment and eventual eviction that followed. As the situation escalated, so did the hands on support of Joe and his entire staff. Always available to advise me on how to respond to, and counter new confrontations and threats, which were inevitably made on weekends, or late nights. Prompt responses saved me many times from days, and sleepless nights of worry. When the inevitable eviction occurred, Joe had made certain I had met my legal obligations, and was in a good position to demand that my landlord do the same. There was no chance I could have navigated the situation that led to the eventual loss of my home myself without the support and representation I received. My landlord reluctantly acquiesced to settle, and I was compensated for the abuse I had suffered. Although I lost my home, the outcome was as favorable as could be hoped for, and I will always be happy that I contacted, and grateful to Joe, and his staff, for the expert guidance and representation through a very difficult situation. read more

Tobener Ravenscroft is the number one attorney's office to turn to if you are having tenant rights issues with your landlord. From beginning to end, our experience with their team has been fantastic! Joe Tobener really cares about his work and his clients, and it shows! He is an absolutely top-notch attorney with a great deal of experience in both high and low-profile cases around the Bay Area. Joe is an expert in tenant law and only represents tenants, not landlords, so you don't have to worry about any conflict of interest issues arising. He is only fighting for you, the tenant, and is the very best legal champion you could ever ask for! He guided us throughout every step of the process, staunchly protected our rights, and rigorously negotiated an excellent settlement offer for us. He always paid careful attention to our needs, gave us first-rate legal advice, and answered our emails and phone calls right away. Brian, Tiffany, Mike, Jacqueline, and the rest of the Tobener Ravenscroft team also cared about what we were going through. They were each experts in their fields and they took amazing care of us every step of the way. We are extremely happy about Tobener Ravenscroft's services and highly recommend them without any hesitation. Tobener Ravenscroft helped us make the best of a very difficult situation and turned our case into a victory! We can't imagine having gone through this without them! Many thanks to Joe and his incredible team of experts who are brilliant, hard-working, caring people you definitely want on your side! read more

A Stellar Firm & Lawyer - Compassion, Expertise, and Exceptional Service. If I could give 6 stars, I would. I recently had the good fortune of being connected with Tobener Ravenscroft LLC and I cannot express my gratitude enough for their exceptional service, their compassion, and their deep level of experience and expertise in guiding me through a process. From the moment I reached out, I was met with empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to help. The legal team at Tobener Ravenscroft LLC, specifically Julia Wobble, demonstrated an impressive level of expertise in their field, balanced with kindness. She not only possessed the technical knowledge to navigate complex legal matters but also had a deep understanding of the emotional impact these issues can have on everyday people like myself. The ability to balance compassion with professionalism was truly remarkable and so very much appreciated. The customer service provided by Tobener Ravenscroft LLC was outstanding. They were always prompt in responding to my inquiries, kept me informed throughout the process, and made me feel valued as a client. Their commitment to ensuring my satisfaction was evident in every interaction. I wholeheartedly recommend Tobener Ravenscroft LLC to anyone seeking civil legal representation. Their combination of empathy, expertise, and exceptional customer service made a significant difference in my case, and I am confident that they would do the same for others. Thank you!!!! read more

Earlier this year, my roommate decided to give me a week's notice of their moveout. I could not find a roomie replacement in time for the 1st and I couldn't afford to stay there by myself so then I too needed to leave and found a place to live a week after my roomie's moveout. Our one-year lease was not due to end for another few months. Although I cleaned 90% of our apartment (by myself - thanks for the help loser roomie), gave the landlord a letter of apology, and helped our landlord for weeks with craigslist ads, oodle ads, fb posts -- this apartment remained empty until late June. I received notice of rent due/lease fulfillment for the months it stayed empty. Since my loser ex-roommate believes that we are not liable for what we agreed and signed in our lease to pay - he refuses to pay and thinks they won't sue. Guess who they can go after if he refuses to pay his half? Moi. Even though he is very busy Joe took the time to give me advice via email, over the phone, even right after he got out of court regarding a different client - he contacted me straightaway. He provided me with a template for a mutual release of all claims and let me know if my edits were legally accurate before I presented it to the owner of my old apt. building. He advised me on negotiating my portion of lease fulfillment down to what I could afford, and since I was the stellar tenant and not a nightmare tenant like my former roommate - his advice worked! He's the best. read more

Joe Tobener is SF Renters' Best Protection for Tenants Rights! Joe Tobener is an exceptional resource for SF Renters in protection of their rights as tenants. Joe is that rare & extraordinary lawyer who is accessible, genuinely cares about justice, quickly discerns what is essential, then finds a refreshingly brilliant solution that will make you smile! Example: I was back east, my mom had died & I wanted to move her piano into my apt in SF (mom had played this piano until she was 90 with Parkinson's). My landlord e-mailed a contract for me to sign which appeared to be benign, but contained a clause that would have gutted an important CA tenant right. It was Thanksgiving weekend & I discovered Joe's info online. Great reviews. I wondered. I called & left a message. Joe phoned me the next day! He immediately ascertained from reading my lease & house rules that I didn't need to sign the new contract at all. It came down to the meaning of one word in one sentence! He suggested that I e-mail the landlord, thank him for sending the contract and mention that we won't have to sign it after all since my lease already allows pianos! And, what is even more extraordinary, Joe gave this advice with generosity, without charge. Wow! (some lawyers charge per minute) The piano plays on in SF, thanks to Joe Tobener!!!!! Joe, the next song is for you... read more

Tobener Ravenscroft, specifically Tina Collins and Jackie Ravenscroft, deserves an absolutely glowing review for the way they handled my recent, sudden SF rent increase of 20%. Their team combined timely comprehensive expertise in tenant law with an ability to explain complex rules in plain, practical language, which made an overwhelming situation feel completely manageable. From the first conversation, they took intricate, intimidating rent control and tenancy regulations, broke them down into straightforward terms, and applied them to my specific situation. They walked me through what my landlord could and could not legally do, what qualified as a permissible increase, and how local and state protections applied to my specific situation. Every time I had a question, they answered it in a way that was both legally precise and easy to digest, without any condescension or legalese. They clearly and concisely outlined multiple paths--negotiation, formal challenges, and lpotential outcomes for each. That allowed me to make an informed decision that balanced my rights as a tenant with my practical and financial needs. I was ultimately able to achieve the result I wanted using negotiation tactics advised by Tobener Ravenscroft. I would easily and highly recommend Tobener Ravenscroft for any tenant and housing issues. 10/10 experience!! read more

The Tobener Law peeps are as good as it gets! From the very first day I walked into their offices they were courteous and professional. My roommates and I scheduled an appointment to tell them our case, not thinking much could be done. We were ignorant and didnt know much about renters rights. Joe was very thorough and straight forward with us, letting us know that we had been wronged of our rented household and that we had a legitimate case. From the day we hired them, the process was simple and easy. Yes, they need every piece of information from you regarding your case but once you hand everything over to them, they do ALL THE HEAVY LIFTING. Not once did I ever have to talk to or see my ex landlord. This firm always made me feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Long story short they won our case and hiring them was the best decision I ever made!! I recommend this place 10 times over, your not gonna find better people!!!! Special shout out to Ms. Conry, her persistence and professionalism on this case was more then exceptional. We could have easily been ignorant lost sheep in this crazy world of Bay Area renters rights and thanks to this firm we were saved!!! A million thank yous to the entire staff at Tobener Law Center, keep up the good work. Do not hesitate to call these people they will not disappoint! read more

I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible support I received from Joseph Tobener and Patricia Davila regarding my tenant rights issues. From our initial consultation, Joseph demonstrated a deep understanding of tenant rights and was genuinely invested in my situation. He took the time to explain to us our rights and options clearly, helping us feel empowered in what felt like a daunting situation. His expertise and strategic approach were invaluable in addressing my family's concerns effectively. What truly impressed me was Joseph's responsiveness and commitment. He was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance, ensuring I felt supported every step of the way. His compassionate approach helped alleviate a lot of the stress that me and my family were experiencing as tenants. Our whole family wholeheartedly recommend the entire team at Tobener Ravenscroft to anyone facing tenant-related issues. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to advocating for tenant rights are outstanding. Thanks to them, we feel more confident in our rights as tenants, and we can't thank them enough for their support during this challenging time. Thank you so much for your hard work and outstanding professionalism. HIghly, highly recommend!" read more

As a long-term tenant in San Francisco, I've encountered various challenges with landlords over the years. On two separate occasions, Tobener Ravenscroft has been instrumental in protecting my rights and ensuring fair treatment. Initially, years ago, I sought TR's assistance regarding unresolved maintenance issues, such as splintering wood in my unit. Their team provided actionable advice, helping me secure necessary repairs and appropriate compensation. More recently, I faced unlawful rent increases and undue pressure to sign a lease under unfavorable conditions. Feeling a bit stuck, I turned to TR for guidance. Joseph Tobener and Jacqueline Ravenscroft connected me with Tina Collins, who thoroughly explained my rights under California's rent control laws. Tina outlined my options and the steps I could take to address the situation effectively, and I feel confident I can bully my landlord this time around. TR's dedication to tenant advocacy in the Bay Area is unparalleled. I highly recommend their services to anyone facing rental disputes or seeking legal advice. With TR's support, you can navigate the complexities of tenant rights and stand firm against unjust landlord practices. read more

Peace of Mind As a tenant in San Francisco of more than 30 years and even though I was protected by Rent Control, I did not have peace of mind. After researching and consulting my options I decided to call Tobener Ravenscroft, and in looking back, I know that I was very lucky to have been assigned Jim Lucey to help answer my questions. Mr. Lucey did not only answer my questions but told me about my rights under the law. He reassured me that if I were to need their help, to call back. I left with the peace of mind that I was looking for. The same day that I left his office I got a call from him to inform me that he had researched my case based in the information I had given him, and told me of the added clauses that protected me under the law. Adding to my comfort. Almost a whole year went by until I saw the need to call because of my circumstances and options to have his group represent me against my landlord. I ended up keeping the peace of mind I was looking for and the legal representation I had hoped for. I also got a money settlement that was satisfactory to my case. At the end of that exercise I ended up with great representation and a good friend. read more

After a frightening and deeply stressful situation with our landlord forced us out of an apartment we truly loved, we found ourselves desperately searching for help. Reaching out to this firm was the best decision we made. From the very first call, they made us feel like we were in safe hands. Our lead attorney, Iris Maguire, was absolutely exceptional throughout the entire process. She walked us through every step with patience and clarity, always making sure we understood our options before making any decisions. No question was too small, no concern went unaddressed. She was consistently available, responsive, and made us feel genuinely heard during what was an incredibly difficult and emotional time. Iris and Jacqueline represented us through mediation preparation and the mediation itself, and having both of them in our corner gave us tremendous confidence going in. We are beyond grateful for the outcome and for the care and dedication this firm showed us from start to finish. If you are facing a housing dispute and don't know where to turn, look no further. This firm will fight for you and take care of you every step of the way read more

I never imaged I would be dealing with an illegal eviction in my long term apartment home. Evictions are one of the most stressful situation a tenant can encounter from their landlord. It's an emotional roller coaster to pack your entire apartment and not know where you're going, or who will help you. After day's of research I came across Tobener and Ravenscroft LLP. I had a meeting with Joseph Tobener who was very kind and knowledgeable on tenant law in the bay area. Allyson, Jacqueline, and Matt were assigned to my case and I must say how professional, kind, and caring they were towards me. Allyson and Jackie are so poised, super knowledgeable, these strong ladies know how to handle these slumlords with grace. Matt kept everything in check, kept the ball rolling, was super kind and such a gentle soul. I would recommend this team to anyone seeking help with a tenant rental crisis. My advice for anyone going through an illegal eviction would be to document everything. Understand the process takes time, be very patient, ask lot's of questions so you understand the legal jargon, and trust the process. read more