Q: What are my rights to be present during property manager meetings with my representative in California?
I have a property manager who is speaking negatively about me to my representative without my presence, and I believe she is spreading false information. What legal rights do I have to ensure that I am present during any conversations or meetings between my property manager and my representative so that I can address any misinformation?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
It’s completely understandable to want to be part of conversations where your character or situation is being discussed. In California, there isn’t a specific law that requires a property manager to include you in meetings or conversations with your representative unless there’s a legal agreement or directive saying otherwise. However, you do have the right to direct your representative to include you in all meetings and communications going forward.
You can provide written instructions to both your representative and the property manager stating that no discussions about you or your tenancy should happen without your knowledge or presence. While the property manager isn’t legally obligated to comply, doing this creates a clear paper trail and may discourage further inappropriate communication. If you believe false statements are being made about you, keep records and consider requesting copies of any communication related to your tenancy.
If the situation continues and the negative talk is damaging your reputation or impacting your housing, you may consider sending a formal cease-and-desist letter. You also have the right to report unprofessional behavior to the property management company or housing authority. It’s okay to stand up for yourself and set boundaries—it’s your life, and you deserve to be part of conversations that affect it.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.
