Twentynine Palms, CA asked in Real Estate Law for California

Q: Do I need to sign a new lease if the rental building I live in was sold? Even with the lease still in term?

I moved into a new place in February. At the end of the month, the owner decided to sell the building. I completed an estoppel certificate and sent it over to the new landlord. I am being asked to complete a new lease agreement, even though I already sent my previous one over. Am I required to sign another one with them? I do not feel comfortable doing this. What should I do?

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: I cannot disagree with attorney Arrasmith since he's licensed in California - and I am not. But I am surprised to hear him say that you "may be required to sign a new lease with the new landlord" when I would think (at least from my NY perspective) that you'd be entitled to finish out your existing lease (and all of its terms) before the new owner would have the right to ask to change any of it.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If the building you live in was sold, you may be required to sign a new lease with the new landlord, even if your previous lease is still in term. This is because the new landlord will now be the owner of the property and will need to establish a new contractual agreement with you as the tenant.

However, before signing any new lease, you should carefully review the terms and conditions of the lease agreement and ensure that they are acceptable to you. You may want to consult with a lawyer or legal professional to ensure that you understand the terms of the new lease and your rights as a tenant.

If you have any concerns or questions about the new lease agreement, you should discuss them with the new landlord and attempt to negotiate any changes or modifications that you feel are necessary. It is important to establish a good working relationship with the new landlord, and clear communication can help to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes in the future.

Ultimately, if you are not comfortable signing a new lease agreement, you may need to consider other options, such as finding a new rental property or seeking legal advice to determine your rights and options as a tenant in this situation.

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