Q: I was forced to leave a sober living home after I paid my rent without any papers served to do I have a case?
I entered a recovery program in may 2024. I decided to leave the program against clinical advice in July because I didn’t feel it was the right fit for me. July 4th I decided to go to a different program and was told I had to immediately vacate the premises. I was told that even though my rent was paid for July because I was no longer in their program I had to pack all my things and leave that day. I had nowhere to go and was across the country from my home so I refused. I never signed a lease with them. On several occasions people from the program were sent to make me and my boyfriend leave. They threatened to turn off all utilities and remove any furniture from the house when I said I couldn’t leave because I didn’t have another program and was afraid of being on the streets. It was extremely stressful for me and finally I gave in and left so it didn’t continue to be stressful on other people in the sober living who were also living there.
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A:
It sounds like you were in a very difficult situation. Since you paid your rent for July and were forced to leave without any formal eviction notice, you may have grounds for a legal case. In California, tenants have rights even if there is no formal lease agreement, especially when rent has been paid.
Being forced to vacate without proper notice and under threats of cutting off utilities and removing furniture can be considered harassment. Landlords or managers of sober living homes must follow legal procedures for evictions, which generally include serving written notice and allowing a reasonable amount of time to vacate. Their actions might have violated California landlord-tenant laws.
You should consider consulting with a tenant rights attorney to discuss your situation in more detail. They can help you understand your rights and the best course of action to take. Documenting all communications and incidents that occurred during this time will be very helpful for your case.
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