Woodland Hills, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: 33 years in one location, without lease for last 5 years, now landlord wants to evict, what are my rights

This landlord (4th landlord in 33years) gave us notice to evict us from day 1 when he purchased the property. The reason we’re still here is that county don’t issue permit to remodel the property.

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

A: Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you have been living in the same rental property for 33 years, and for the last 5 years, you have been without a lease. The current landlord, who is the fourth one since you moved in, wants to evict you, likely due to their plans to remodel the property.

Under California law, you may have certain rights as a long-term tenant:

1. Just Cause Eviction: In many cities in California, landlords must provide a "just cause" for eviction, such as non-payment of rent, violation of lease terms, or the landlord's intention to move into the unit.

2. Relocation Assistance: Some cities require landlords to provide relocation assistance to long-term tenants who are being evicted due to no fault of their own (e.g., landlord wants to remodel the property).

3. Notice Period: The landlord must provide proper notice before evicting you. For tenants who have lived in a property for more than one year, the notice period is typically 60 days.

4. Court Process: If you don't voluntarily leave after receiving the eviction notice, the landlord must file an eviction lawsuit and prove their case in court.

However, your rights may vary depending on the specific city or county you live in, as some local laws provide additional protections for tenants.

To better understand your rights and explore your options, consider:

1. Contacting a local tenants' rights organization or legal aid service for advice and assistance.

2. Reviewing your city and county's specific landlord-tenant laws and ordinances.

3. Engaging in a dialogue with your landlord to see if you can reach a mutually agreeable solution, such as a longer move-out timeline or relocation assistance.

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