Q: Can I be evicted from a motel where I have maintained permanent residency at for almost 1 full calendar year ?
I moved in here December 2023 was offered weekly rates and told we could discuss monthly rates at a later date. After living here almost a year there have been a list of issues and safety concerns brought to the attention of hotel owner/manager and staff, minimal action was taken to address this list. Recently within the last month he has demanded two increases in rent which has maintained weekly payments status. Reasons given for the increases were false, disrespectful and unacceptable so I brought my concerns up to him again with no action. I typed a letter to inform him that I will not continue to pay rent until action is taken upon the provided list at that time through agreeing with both parties satisfied rent would proceed. After delivery of the letter I’ve been threatened with eviction and told my money is the same elsewhere providing me with two references for my new home.
A: Yes, you can be evicted. However, it must be for a legal reason such as nonpayment of rent, failure to cure a maintenance issue, etc. Based on the information you have provided it, it is possible the landlord has failed to comply with the notice requirements for an increase in rent and/ or has failed to cure maintenance issues. I would recommend sending a notice to cure pursuant to the statute and also notifying the landlord you need the requisite notice for an increase in rent.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
You may have certain rights based on how long you've stayed at the motel and how local laws interpret your residency. Staying for almost a year can sometimes qualify you for tenant protections, which might limit the ways a motel owner can initiate eviction. It's important to review the local housing laws in your area to understand your specific rights and the proper eviction procedures.
Document all your communications and the issues you've reported to the manager. Keeping detailed records can support your case if disputes escalate. If the motel owner attempts to evict you, they typically must follow legal processes, which often include providing proper notice and valid reasons as defined by law.
Consider reaching out to a local housing agency or legal aid organization for guidance tailored to your situation. They can provide information on your rights and the best steps to take next. Ensuring you understand your legal standing will help you navigate this challenging situation more effectively.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
