My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California
I was the on-site manager for my current landlord/management company, a 27 unit complex.
1 year ago, I realized they were breaking every employment law in the book regarding my pay/hours/rent/etc.
I confronted them about it, and rather than go to court, they decided to settle prior, and paid me the money they owed me.
Now my lease is about to be up, and they are increasing my rent by 30%.
I feel it is clear retaliation, as my unit has had no upgrades compared to others in complex that they have recently rented, and my new rent will be MORE than the larger, upgraded units. And FAR more than what comparable rentals in the area. New rent is WAY overpriced. I am not arguing that a rent increase isn't fair, I am arguing the AMOUNT of the rent increase.
California Civil Code Section 1942.5 makes it illegal for a landlord to retaliate toward a tenant within 6 months. Bit of a grey area since yes I was a TENANT that exercised my legal rights 1 year ago to make them fix their illegal actions, but also and EMPLOYEE.
My question is this: do I have legal recourse even though it has been MORE than 6 months since we settled out of court for their illegal employment/rent actions?
Any other advice on how to dispute an exorbitant 30% rent increase?
THANK YOU!

