I received a settlement check from my landlord in California. How will I be taxed on this settlement?

[Anonymous]

if you deducted the rent or part thereof, then the refund or the pro-rata portion thereof will be taxable  - tax benefit rule.  if you didn't then only something like interest included in the settlement would be taxable.  

[mariyakp]

I haven't deducted any rent from my taxes. The settlement was for rent board violations. Does that change anything?