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Kenneth Herbert Carlson

Landlord or tenant Attorney at Idyllwild, CA

4.4   80 reviews
  • Licensed for 43 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1980
    Status
    Active Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2003

About Kenneth

Learn Kenneth’s areas of practice.

Contact Kenneth

Kenneth H. Carlson
PO Box 2417
Idyllwild, CA, 92549

Reviews

4.4 / 5.0
  80 customer reviews
Posted by anonymous | November 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Stand your ground with Brittany
Brittany confidently guided me through what was a daunting and nerve-racking legal process. Her knowledge of the field and the psychological warfare that comes with it led me to what I consider a victory on my trial date; no scary trial and the opposing counsel accepting a settlement offer that I could live with . This is because she instructed me on how to be adequately prepared for all scenarios so that once I got in the courtroom, I could feel good about my defense. She will encourage you to reasonably stand your ground/advocate for yourself /tell your story. If you are representing yourself, opposing counsel will likely try to intimidate and bully you. Brittany will remind you not to fall for it . She made herself available to me on my trial date despite her busy schedule so that I could run anything by her during the process. If you need legal guidance, I would recommend Brittany. She will mold you to come out of this process stronger than you came in.
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Posted by BK | November 4, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Legal Triumph: $25K Win Over My Landlord
I stumbled upon Ken during the challenging times of the Pandemic when my slum landlord bombarded me with a whopping six eviction notices. Despite the city of LA partially covering my rent, my landlord was relentless in trying to kick me and my family out during the COVID crisis. But fate smiled upon me when I crossed paths with Ken, and my landlord nightmare transformed into an epic two-year battle. Countless motions, numerous trips to courtrooms in downtown LA and Santa Monica, and a heap of determination later, I emerged victorious, securing a well-deserved $25,000 settlement, all thanks to Ken's brilliant guidance and legal prowess. Here's a nugget of wisdom for those considering working with Ken: stay as organized as you can. Having all your paperwork and conversations with your landlord neatly organized will undoubtedly make the journey smoother and increase your chances of success. With Ken on your side, you'll be in the best hands to conquer any legal challenge that comes your way!
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Posted by Sandra | November 2, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Lost
I cant find where to write you. I was tricked and some of the UD paprrs were left out of my packet. I noticed 6hours after stay of execution. I thought it was where I was going to ask for a new judge and be in control. I'm crushed and have ten days. I never had a rental agreement and now I lost a case owing rent. Every statement was a lie and I have many witness. I have been harrassed for over a year collecting lots of evidence waiting for my moment. I have a journal of how they stole things from me and put my belongings outside continually. I have pictures of a huge garbage pile blocking my overhead door so I cant get my things out. A police report when they took my dryer. They brought it back and dropped it in the front yard so it would break. And today they won because I missed a detail. I didnt check all the papers and sum 130 is not there. They did that so I couldnt file on time and they won by default. My car is where I'm moving and it's not legal to drive , which doesnt matter cuz theres no gas. Please help me get control of these slugs. They just inherited a million dollars. The house I'm in is 380k and I want to tie it up for at least 2 years. That's how long I worked for the homeowner in exchange for rent according to the plaintiff. I was never paid a dime for anything I bought for the house or the 24/7 caregiving I gave for 2 and a half years. The plaintiffs intercepted the IHSS hours i would have finally received as a caregiver from the county. This can all be proven. This all goes deeper and I have journals and pictures. I want an expensive lawyer who will slaughter what these people are doing. Theres no way they could get past a jury everything is a lie and it'll be obvious. Please get this
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Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Won a major high-stakes lawsuit, thanks to Ken!
Our backs were against the wall. We had been pushed around by a commercial landlord. He managed to get us evicted from our space - so were about to lose everything. We filed a lawsuit, but just could not afford a lawyer/firm. We were about to give up, but I decided to give Ken a call. I am so glad I did. Ken's model is a little different. He will not represent you, but he will give you the tools to pursue your own rights. I had seen his extremely helpful (and often inspirational) articles, and found that energy you feel from his posts to be real! I explained to Ken that our trial was coming up and that I could not afford a lawyer, and even i suddenly could, I would not be able to hire one in time. Ken, with all sincerity told me that I should go ahead and appear unrepresented, and on my own behalf. Ken assured me that he would give me all the materials I needed, and that he would roll up his sleeves with me to complete the needed trial forms (if you buy the trial prep package, you will get everything you need, and then some...). He actually worked with me almost a whole Sunday to make sure we would be ready for trial the next day (what other lawyers do you know who would do this?). I decided to go ahead and proceed unrepresented against the landlord defendant. The courts are not your friends, and will not hesitate to knock you. However, because I had Ken's help I was able to complete and file all the forms needed (and there were a LOT). I would have never have been able to get it done. SO MANY forms and procedures. That is why you need Ken's help. I am glad I took Ken's suggestion that we represent ourselves. We got a unanimous verdict from the jury and a substantial award. Don't get me wrong - trials are really hard, so I am glad Ken has those trial prep packages. I despise unfairness, and I see landlords acting improperly all the time. Backing down is not fair on you, and only emboldens landlords. BUT, you can fight back against bad landlords, and you should, even if you don't have a lawyer! Don't let landlords roll all over you. Ken will give you the tools and the tips to stand up against landlords. I really appreciate him, and I highly recommend him.
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Posted by Nai | July 6, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Keep fighting the good fight
I discovered Ken during COVID after my landlady tried illegally evicting me the first time. His website provided me enough direction and confidence to seek renter protections and have the City of Los Angeles intervene. Then she tried again the moment that the moratorium ended and I hired Ken's firm immediately. They got me ready for trial and when I showed up prepared and confident her attorney was so rattled that he told the judge: "This is the most well prepared defendant I've ever seen." The next day they dissmissed the case! Thank you Ken, for showing us that renters have rights, and it's not just the landlord's way or the highway.
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Posted by Meg | May 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank God I found Ken Carlson!
I went from being terrified of being evicted because of Covid shutdown and loss of earnings to feeling empowered and having fun representing myself "In Pro Per". When my big corporate landlord raised my rent by $200 as soon as the emergency order was lifted in LA, I knew I couldn't afford it. I've been here for 12 years and I've always been a good tenant and paid on time. There are covid protections in place that you can read about on Ken's fantastic informative website. Landlord's are counting on that fact that you will be ignorant of the laws and be intimidated into moving out so they can raise the rent even more. I am trusting and doing everything according to Ken's brilliant system. I'm so glad and thankful to stop feeling like a victim and start beating my narcissistic bully landlord and his dishonest attorneys at their own game. If you represent yourself, keep a good attitude and be willing to run down to the court house to file papers and get orders at the drop of a hat. I had to run back a few times because I forgot something but Ken's system works! It will cost money, but not nearly as much as if you've hired an attorney on retainer. Think of all the money you are will be saving by staying in your home during this process and not paying rent. I'd much rather give it to Ken and still save a ton of money in legal fees. Ken has a great sense of humor and has calmed me down and encouraged me every step of the way. We still have quite a ways to go but I can honestly say, I trust Ken Carlson. I'm looking forward to winning and working out a way with my landlord to stay in my home. Ken's staff is great too. Just stay organized with a good filing system, record your calls so you don't miss anything and do some deep breathing and stay positive! You'll be fine if you follow Ken's instructions exactly. Thank you so much Ken, Julie and Keven. I truly appreciate you.
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Posted by Margaret | May 26, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Landlord Harassment is Real!!!
I've only been to the website so far. That alone has helped me immensely.I will be call him for a consultation. As my situation has took a turn for the worse. My Management Company has done so many stright out illegal things to my daughter's and myself they are disabled . I have it all on video and well documented. I do need HELP!!! I'm a single Mom that was forced out of my apartment by them 14 months ago and today Memorial Weekend they have construction going on . Outside my front door blocking me in. This is so wrong. I'm a long term tenant of 14 years and this is what they do. All this and more after being served a 60 day notice. She has us blocked in when we are supposed to be moving?? Sitting on the bottom of my stairs with a big smile on her face. Landlord Harassment is Real!!!!
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Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent expertise! Excellent service! Excellent result!
Mr. Ken Carlson is fantastic atterney! Personal , confident, kind and highly successful. He brought to my case so much expertise. We were up against big corporation with an army of attorneys and bullish mean and aggressive unlawful forceful attitude and actions. Ken and his firm handled all arguments and tricky situations imposed by the Landlord. The lawsuit went on for a while and it was ugly. Ken and his firm won! All claims and ugly arguments from the Landlord were dismissed! Thank you so much Ken! Thank you so much Ken’s team!
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Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best tenant lawyer for great rates and flawless advice
I've used Ken and his California Tenant Law site a few times now over the 8 years I've dealt with my awful landlord in my rent controlled property. Ken and his team know landlord-tenant law inside out. I had never really dealt with lawyers in any capacity before my landlord situation, I was so nervous about the costs, and in general being misguided or treated as just another client to earn money from without being given actually solutions and support. If you're having landlord issues and you feel this way, Ken and co are the people for you. Their payment structure is clear, reasonable and scaled with multiple options, and they absolutely know what they are doing. It's the most reassuring and supportive attorney experience I believe you will find in the LA area.
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Posted by anonymous | April 22, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helped me through tough and complex situations
Ken and his partners helped me protect my rights that I thought I would have lost to my landlord. Tenant-landlord issues often arise suddenly, cause emergencies, and leave us in panic without many choices. Therefore I was very lucky that his team stepped in immediately and offered me prompt evaluation and advice. They handled the communication with my landlord nicely. With his help I navigated through very complex case situations and fully recovered my loss. I never thought that was possible. Really appreciate his help and I highly recommend him.
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Posted by Marty | October 12, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and personal
I can’t even begin to explain how overwhelmed I was throughout this process and how totally confident I was made to feel by Brittany. She went so far above and beyond what I could have ever imagined and she was always so easy to talk to and provided me with the extra boost of confidence when I felt like I was fighting a losing battle. She knows her stuff so well and she will work tirelessly until her job is complete. Even if that means working around the clock on the weekend. Like I said she gave me hope when I thought there was nothing else I could do. She also offered very logical alternatives to each step in this long and stressful process never making me feel forced into any decisions. All the while reminding me that I’m important and the landlord shouldn’t get away with all the horrible things they had done to me in an attempt to bully me out of my living situation. I don’t know too many other attorneys that are able to do all the things that Brittany and her team were able to do and do so well.
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Posted by Leslie | October 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Phenomenal and Knowledgeable
To summarize, I had a commercial landlord who was ruthless during the Newsome-mandated shut downs of non-essential businesses in CA. In good faith I continued to pay 50% of the lease payment even while we weren't allowed to open. When the lease expired, the landlord was demanding $25,000 of back rent that was due "due to COVID." I consulted Ken and his team, and he and Brittany Torbert, Esq. provided me with case law that insulated me from having to pay anything as they found case law that provided protection for me. I am very grateful for their knowledge and resourceful nature! I will use them again, I am a business owner with multiple businesses and leases. I can rely on this team they are phenomenal!! Leslie Gray Entrepreneur
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Posted by Sheila | September 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Glad A Friend Recommended This Firm!
We had to rent a home for a year. Just to get it, there was supposedly a bidding war, where we paid $500 more per month than original asking, paid six months in advance and 2 month’s security deposit. We ended up having to terminate our lease 2 months early, primarily over mold, although there were several maintenance issues. Brittany Torbert Provided exceptional advice and crafted a draft letter to terminate the lease. She knows her stuff and was very easy to work with. If you need the best advice for your situation, the consultation will be worth every penny. I am hopeful I don’t have to re-engage Ms. Tolbert as now our landlord has not returned our deposit.
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Posted by Kenneth | August 16, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Tenant unlawful detainer action self help sections/video
I didn't use The Law Offices of Ken Carlson as representation in my case, but in turn, represented myself In Pro Ser. I studied in great detain Mr. Carlsons' videos available concerning these types of cases and additionally used other resources through CEB Law, california codes of procedure, and civil cases already ruled on, and found myself to be the prevailing party to a dismissal of the summons and complaint by the judge based on Defendants demurrer to the action as the answer to Plaintiffs Summons and complaint. I want to thank Mr. Carlson for his free videos made available to the public and I would suggest to anyone facing any civil matter similar to mine, to obtain his services. I'm sure his professionalism, and knowledge as an attorney would be extraordinary in the courtroom as well. 1,000 Thumbs Up!!!
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Posted by Gina | August 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, knowledgeable advocates
Attorney, Monique Harris at Cal Tenant Law made a very stressful situation with our landlord bearable. After enduring years of harassment from our landlord over habitability issues at our rental, we finally found a true professional, caring advocate! Ms. Harris answered all our questions, kept us up-to-date on our case, even checked in just to see how we were doing. In the end she was able to help us reach a favorable outcome, all within a few months! Even the free legal information is helpful in knowing your rights as a tenant. I highly recommend the services at Cal Tenant Law.
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Posted by anonymous | August 7, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best secret weapon ever!
Ken Carlson and Brittany Torbert have been absolute life savers! If you need help with eviction defense look no further because you won't find anything like Catenantlaw. They are knowledgeable, compassionate and know their $@#*! Make sure you understand the process and scope of what they provide. They are clear cut and honest right from the start.
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Posted by Charise champion | February 27, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He knows his stuff
I found ken few months back by researching, and I was so glad that I found him. I was facing eviction during the pandemic because landlords wanting to sell, but because of ken I was able to negotiate, and leave without paying anything, and no eviction on my credit, and best of it all I’m living somewhere 10x better. I was scared I never had been in a situation like this before, but it all worked out at the end. Thanks ken
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Posted by KeithB | November 3, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Is Ken Carlson worth it?
ABSOLUTELY! Ken and his staff are professionals. Only needed a brief consult to clarify my situation. Saved me a lot of $$$ and his advice informed that an attempt eviction "Notice" was just a bluff. And if it had not been I would have engaged Ken to "Pit-Bull" my landlord ;-)
Posted by anonymous | August 27, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Helping me as a tenant with abusive Landlord COVID-19 hell who renting me illegal property, Wish more lawyers were like him!
I had a hellatious experience during COVID where the landlord rented me an illegal rental and shut me out of using the washer and dryer etc stated in the lease after I moved, and he was disapproving about my disability, orientation, etc. In the middle of a stay at home order this is cruel and unusual punishment to do to a paying tenant just because you as a landlord think your "lifestyles are not compatible" with the tenant. My original lawyer got suspended and the retainer I paid went to waste as I did not receive value for the services which were not completed and I was left hi and dry. I was starting to feel hopeless with my case and overwhelmed. Ken stepped in and with his "a la carte, bite-sized" consultations and step by step information gave me the confidence to proceed with my case. I am still early on in my work with him but I knew I made the right choice to get his help. An injustice for one is an injustice for all. Ken fights for the underdog and knows the law, code, & procedures...He is expert in tenant advocacy, I highly recommend. I am not a litigious person but what happened to me during COVID-19 at the hands of an aggressive abusive landlord renting me a fraudulent property then abusing me while I was in it was so egregious that I absolutely had to stand up--Ken is giving a clear path to prevailing against fraud. He even made suggestions to SAVE me money not spend it or waste it on unnecessary lawyer services.
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Posted by John | July 12, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
COVID EVICTION NIGHTMARE
I became acquainted with Ken during the pandemic, as he was recommended to me by an attorney friend of mine who researched my situation. I was getting evicted during the middle of the pandemic due to owner move in (My landlord was an attorney who figured a way around the moratorium. The first consultation was kind of vague and just ken feeling out the particulars and then he made a recommendation to say something to the other side. Which was my landlord (a real estate attorney) with her own attorney also. Since money was tight for the first time in my life due to the pandemic, I could not just hire an attorney and throw loads of money at it. On the second consultation, when I got back to Kenneth with more details from their first response, his strategy was exactly what I needed to deal with two attorneys. He gave me the confidence to go head-to-head with two professional grade A pricks. His strategy worked 100% and was a huge relief during the most stressful time of my life. I would highly recommend anybody who wants results without spending loads of money on attorney’s fees. He has great resources for free and puts the ball back in your court. I have already recommended him friends.10 + Stars, Thanks Ken!!
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AVVO RATING 7.1 (Very Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2003.

Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2003
updated on 01/20/2016

This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.

Education

  • Loyola Law School
  • N/A
  • University of California - Berkeley
  • N/A

Attorney endorsements

Received (2)
Given (2)
Endorse Kenneth
Landlord or tenant Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Ken knows his stuff and doesn't back down to bully landlords. Ken is creative in his methods and gets results. He is a pleasure to work with."
Landlord or tenant Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ken has a brilliant mind and is a true advocate for tenant rights. I endorse this lawyer."
Landlord or tenant
Landlord or tenant

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Idyllwild Landlord or tenant Lawyer Kenneth Herbert Carlson
Kenneth Herbert Carlson
Landlord or tenant Attorney
Idyllwild, CA
Licensed for 43 years
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2003. See details