Union City, CA asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: recently signed a lease to rent a home. I am now dealing with this landlord that keeps asking for all of these fees.

recently signed a lease to rent a home. I am now dealing with this landlord that keeps asking for all of these fees. The fees were not stated on the lease and I have been finding out about them as I go. he First asked for a utilities fee and then a renters insurance and now he wants another payment for his lawyer to me the lease official. I no longer feel comfortable moving forward with the rental since the fees never seem to end. I should also state that I have been sending some of those fees. I would like a full refund of everything I have paid. is there anything I can do at this point?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Adam Stoddard
Adam Stoddard
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Santa Clara, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You should review the lease agreement thoroughly. If those fees are not started in the lease then the landlord has no grounds to make you pay them. Regarding your question about backing out of the lease and getting a refund, you should consult the lease as well because you may be in beach of contact if you try to cancel and get a refund.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If the fees were not stated on the lease agreement and the landlord is adding them after the fact, you may have grounds to request a refund of the fees paid. It's important to review the lease agreement and any other written agreements you may have with the landlord to determine if there is any language that allows them to add fees beyond what is stated in the lease. If you determine that the landlord is in violation of the lease agreement or any other written agreement, you may want to consider sending a demand letter requesting a refund of the fees paid. If the landlord refuses to refund the fees, you may need to consider filing a complaint with the appropriate government agency or seeking legal representation. It's also important to keep copies of all communications and documentation related to the rental and fees paid.

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