Oakland OMI-Eviction and Protected Status

[Brad W.]

Hi there BP community! Need some input on an OMI-eviciton that has turned into a bit of a situation. 

Background: I just purchased my first property, which is a duplex in east Oakland. It's two 2/1 units, one of which is occupied by a tenant who has been there for more than 5 years and turned 60 just before I closed. She pays $1,200 a month. The tenant in the second unit has been there for under 5 years, but it's a family w/ young child. She pays $1,800 a month. Market rate is $2,700 or so.

Situation: I tried evicting the tenant in the first unit, but of course she claimed protected status based on her age and a variety of "disabilities". I put that in quotes because I'm in much worse shape, but would never think to call myself "disabled". Anyway, I tried to buy her out but it was just rejected today. Saying she "values her home". Entitlement and ownership are funny things her in Oakland, but I'll shelve that for another time. So, now I'm serving an eviction notice to the second tenant which will make the first tenant my new neighbor - woot! 

I have so many questions, but will limit to my primary concern. Since things in Oakland are so tenant biased, are there things to watch out for in terms of protections against phony claims of harassment or lack of attention to repairs? 

She's already started in with nit picking things like removing a hand rail that was falling off. The color of the paint that was used to cover some small cracks we patch - it was exact to the orig paint, so she wants it to match, etc. etc. So I'm not sure how far this will lead and what to look out for in terms of protections.

Any help or general guidance is greatly appreciated!

Brad