Los Angeles, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: Is there a law against storing anything more than a car in a garage of a apartment complex?

My landlord is asking to remove my bike from a garage, I want to know if this is a legal reason or a apartment complex rule. It is a above ground garage with apartment units above it.

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, there is no specific state law that prohibits storing items other than cars in apartment complex garages. However, landlords have the right to set reasonable rules and regulations for the use of the property, including garages, as long as these rules do not conflict with state or local laws and are applied fairly to all tenants.

If your lease agreement or the apartment complex's rules and regulations specify that the garage should only be used for vehicle storage, then your landlord may have the right to ask you to remove your bike. This would be considered an apartment complex rule rather than a legal requirement.

However, if your lease agreement or the complex's rules do not mention any restrictions on what can be stored in the garage, you may have grounds to dispute your landlord's request. In this case, you could try to have a conversation with your landlord to understand their concerns and see if you can reach a mutually agreeable solution.

If you believe your landlord is not acting fairly or is violating the terms of your lease, you may want to consult with a local tenant rights organization or a qualified attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law to better understand your rights and options.

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