Q: I live in CA and my landlord will not renew my lease bc my roommates are not renewing. I've been there 3 years, can she?
I live in a very unique situation where three roommates have been on a lease for 3 years now. The original lease stated we must cover the rent if a roommate leaves and recently we were able to update this term with the landlord. Our lease expires on Oct 1 2024 and the landlord told me today that she will not renew my lease because the other tenants are moving out. Is that legal? Can she really deny my renewal because they decided to leave? Thank you
A:
Under California law, a landlord is not obligated to renew a lease once it expires. When a lease term ends, the landlord has the right to decide whether or not to renew it, and they can choose not to renew for various reasons, including the fact that other roommates are moving out.
However, this does not mean you have to move out immediately. Once your lease expires, you may be able to continue living in the rental on a month-to-month basis if both parties agree. This would allow you more time to find alternative housing or negotiate a new lease agreement.
It's important to review your lease agreement and any communications with your landlord to understand your specific situation. You might want to discuss your concerns with your landlord and see if there's room for negotiation. If you feel that your rights are being violated, consider seeking legal advice to explore your options.
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