TOP-06 — Extortion & Early-Payment Threats

Executive Summary

This screenshot documents explicit threats issued to the tenant: demanding rent before the lawful due date, issuing warnings of “credit damage,” and imposing a $500 penalty for disputing fraudulent terms. The owner also directed the tenant to reroute payments into a private personal account.

Legal Significance

• Penal Code §518 — Extortion: Threats used to force premature payment.
• Civil Code §1942.5 — Retaliation: Threats followed tenant complaint activity.
• BPC §17200 — Unfair Business Practices: Coercive rent-collection scheme.

Why This Matters at Trial

Extortionate conduct demonstrates motive and intent. These threats show the scheme to destabilize tenancy, trigger fear, and accelerate eviction. It aligns with a broader pattern: pressure, concealment, threat, and profit.