Elke & Merchant LLP-San Francisco Tenant Lawyers - CA
Elke and Merchant LLP is an elite San Francisco tenant rights law firm established in 2013, exclusively advocating for renters in wrongful eviction defense, unlawful rent increases, landlord harassment, and severe habitability violations on a contingency or fee-shifted basis across the Bay Area.
Dedicated Renter Advocacy at Elke and Merchant LLP
San Francisco has one of the most complex, highly regulated housing environments in the United States. When landlords violate municipal rent ordinances or attempt unlawful evictions, tenants face displacement and the loss of their homes. Headquartered in the historic Flood Building on Market Street, Elke and Merchant LLP stands firmly on the side of tenants. Established in 2013 by trial attorneys Tom Elke and Alex Merchant, the firm exclusively protects renters, never representing landlords or property management corporations. With more than twenty-five jury trials brought to verdict and millions of dollars recovered for mistreated tenants, the legal team delivers relentless courtroom representation. Whether you need to hire a tenant attorney or find a residential real estate lawyer to defend your housing stability, this firm brings proven experience to your side.
Defending Against Wrongful Eviction and Landlord Harassment
Under the San Francisco Rent Ordinance and California housing statutes, tenants are protected against arbitrary termination of tenancies. Functioning as skilled residential real estate lawyers and business litigation lawyers, the attorneys defend against fraudulent owner move-in evictions, relative move-in notices, Ellis Act abuse, and retaliatory three-day notices to quit. They also represent renters facing persistent landlord harassment, including unlawful utility shutoffs, disruptive construction designed to force tenants out, and improper landlord entry without lawful notice.
As vigilant contract lawyers, the firm negotiates fair tenant buyout agreements and reviews lease agreements to protect renter equity and prevent coerced displacement. Furthermore, the practice takes decisive action before the San Francisco Rent Board, filing petitions for substantial decreases in housing services and challenging illegal rent hikes that exceed allowable annual percentages.
Tenant Habitability Claims and Unsafe Living Conditions
Every resident is entitled to a clean, safe, and code-compliant living space under California implied warranty of habitability. When property owners refuse to remediate dangerous conditions, such as toxic black mold infestations, sewage backups, defective heating systems, roof leaks, or severe pest infestations, Elke and Merchant LLP files aggressive civil lawsuits. Operating also as compassionate accident and injury lawyers and slip and fall injury lawyers, the firm secures significant financial settlements for tenants who suffer physical respiratory illnesses, structural collapse injuries, or falls resulting from poorly maintained staircases and common areas.
Accessible Bilingual Representation and Free Case Consultations
At Elke and Merchant LLP, ensuring equal access to justice is a cornerstone of the practice. The firm provides bilingual legal assistance in English and Spanish, welcoming renters from all backgrounds across San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and the wider Bay Area. Utilizing contingency fee structures and statutory fee-shifting provisions, the firm enables tenants to pursue justice without daunting upfront legal fees. If your housing rights are under threat and you need an urgent attorney to preserve your tenancy, Elke and Merchant LLP offers the resolute defense you need.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Location & Access
Primary Address
Situated at the dynamic intersection of Union Square and the Financial District in downtown San Francisco.
Building Location
The office is inside the historic Flood Building, an iconic 12-story Beaux-Arts landmark completed in 1904 that famously survived the 1906 earthquake. It is located adjacent to the Powell Street cable car turntable, Hallidie Plaza, and the Powell Street BART Station.
Parking Details
Paid public underground parking is available nearby at the City Park garage and the Marriott Valet Parking Entrance, as well as multiple surrounding municipal garages.
Public Transit
Served by San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Route 38 (Geary); nearest stop is at Geary Street & Powell Street.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter the historic Beaux-Arts lobby of the Flood Building at 870 Market Street. Take one of the passenger elevators to the 11th floor, and find the office in Suite 1140.