Elke & Merchant LLP—San Francisco Tenant Lawyers

"Alex is simply fantastic. I got his name from a friend who knows many of the city’s tenant lawyers through her work - she told me he’s the best. I can confirm his reputation, he was just amazingly knowledgeable, kind, and easy to work with. It’s obvious that he really cares for tenants. Particularly with in-law units like mine, he had tricks up his sleeve that I don’t think other lawyers know. With his help, I had a great outcome to my case, better than I even imagined. Highest recommendation!"

"I called Alex Merchant after visiting the SF Tenants Union on Capp St. They pointed me to Alex and told me that he wouldn’t take advantage of me or my situation. He helped with me a buy out/eviction that has lasted over 5 years. He gave me the confidence I needed to know that I was not in the wrong, the law was on my side. I knew this was true the first time my landlord found out I had even spoken with a lawyer. His tone changed drastically when he find out I had been informed of my rights. I would recommend anyone dealing with an eviction or buyout to speak to Alex. Don’t be bullied into thinking you don’t have the choice. The choice is yours."

"We found ourselves in a very stressful situation with our previous landlord. After making many visits to the city office and SFTU, I was just so happy and relieved when I was directed to Alex eventually. Not only Alex is professional and knowledgeable, he is also a compassionate individual, where you know he was going to be just the right lawyer representing our case. He was able to quickly understand our situation, give us options of what we could do, and communicate with us throughout the entire case. Even after I left SF for good eventually, he made sure to keep us updated on the settlement. THANK YOU ALEX!"

"We first met Tom at the SF Tenant's Union. He was, as he does weekly, volunteering his time to counsel potential clients like me and my wife. We had been wrongfully evicted from our rent controlled apartment in San Francisco and were lost, confused, and eager to find help. After a brief consultation, Tom assured us that we had a strong case, had been victims of several illegal acts, and he and his partner, Alex, would take on our case. After months of frustration, anger, and degradation from our prior landlord, we walked out of that meeting with Tom feeling like we finally had hope. Diligent & passionate about their expertise, Tom & Alex exuded confidence while keeping expectations level set. At a point where we were on the brink of losing hope, they came in driven to seek justice for us and would not rest until a fair settlement was reached. We recommend Tom Elke & Alex Merchant for any legal matters related to tenant law with the highest regard."

"I first met Tom Elke at the SF Tenants Union clinic in the Mission District. I am a tenant in SF and I was so pleased to meet Tom - an experienced attorney dedicated to the community. His advice at the clinic was a life-saver and gave me the confidence to deal with my apartment issues. I work as a social worker and I've met with several tenants' lawyers over the years. Tom stands out as the most qualified, successful, and down-to-earth attorney in SF! I had several issues at my apartment that came up later on and I emailed Tom. He responded right away and was available by phone to answer all of my questions. I am so happy to be in touch with him, to have such reliable, responsive support on short notice. He clearly explained every complicated tenant law provision that I was dealing with. His attitude is inspiring - he is confident, polite, dedicated, and positive. I will definitely return to his office when any future questions arise. I recommend him to anyone in the Bay."