Renter glossary
Retaliation
Page last updated: August 22, 2026 · How we source & update
Definition
When a landlord punishes a tenant — with a rent hike, service cut, or eviction — for asserting a right or reporting a problem.
Why it matters to renters
Many states forbid it and may presume retaliation if the action follows a complaint closely in time.
Example
An eviction filed shortly after you reported code violations may be retaliatory.