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One of the two defendant filed answer for the first eviction I filed. Is defendant required to file answer for amended complaint, if so, how many
days does defendant have to file answer?
Also, do I have to wait for both defendants named on the eviction to answer before requesting... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 26, 2024
In San Bernardino County, under California law, a defendant generally has 30 days to respond to an amended complaint. This timeline is the same as for the original complaint unless the court orders otherwise.
If a defendant has already answered the initial complaint, they are required to... View More
A default judgment was entered on myself and another without being served the summons as stated in file. I can prove when a classifed letter was sent and stayed in warehouse for weeks. I don't fall under the guidelines of landlord tenant because Myself and another never had a rental agreement... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 26, 2024
To correct a default judgment in California based on improper service and not falling under the guidelines of California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) 1161, you need to file a motion to set aside the default judgment. Begin by gathering all your evidence, including proof of when and how you were... View More
My landlord was informed immediately of the water issue. And took over two weeks to install new water heater, after which kept saying he needed to "adjust the temperature" until mine was hot. Each "adjustment" took days. After the hot water heater was replaced, it cause my... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 26, 2024
Under California law, if a rental unit is uninhabitable due to the landlord’s failure to provide essential services such as hot water, you may not be responsible for paying rent for the period the unit was uninhabitable. Given your situation, with no hot water for 22 days in June and ongoing... View More
The master tenant is moving out at the end of the month. However, her mother (not on the original rental agreement) is now living in the rental, has no income, and no place to go. I am ok with her staying a couple months until she can find a living situation, but should I write up a formal... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 25, 2024
Under California law, it is advisable to create a written agreement if you allow someone to stay in your rental property who was not on the original lease. This helps protect your interests and clearly defines the terms of the temporary arrangement. Without a written agreement, you risk potential... View More
Tenants gave his 30 days notices on June 2nd verbally, then written on the 3rd @ 10am. He waited till July 1st to move his things and left the carpet w/ mold & rust on it. Destroyed my curtain he wanted to keep in there and broke my bed he asked to use so he didn't have to get his bed from... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 25, 2024
Under California law, a landlord has the right to retain a portion or all of a security deposit to cover the cost of damages caused by a tenant beyond normal wear and tear. If the tenant left mold, rust, a broken bed, and damaged curtains, these are considered damages that go beyond what is... View More
Since I don't pay rent can the landlord just throw me out? What are my rights s a person providing assistance (everyday ADLs for disabled elderly woman, maintaining entire homes cleanliness, and preparing/cooking all meals etc) in exchange for no monthly rent?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 25, 2024
Under California law, even if you do not pay rent, you have certain rights as a tenant due to the verbal agreement and the services you provide in exchange for housing. This arrangement can be considered a form of tenancy, which means the landlord cannot simply throw you out without following... View More
False allegations used to obtain emergency restraining order to remove self from property by Law enforcement thru the court. Then false witnesses were produced along with false testimony and video evidence was erased of time and place allegation were made of by the complainants son and also... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 24, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about the distressing situation you're facing. In California, if you have been falsely accused of elder abuse and have been cleared in the restraining order case, you have several options to consider. First, you might want to gather all evidence that supports your... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 24, 2024
As a property owner in California, you cannot demand service dog registration papers from potential renters. According to the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which includes... View More
I am from ottawa,
I am not in country and landlord sends notice to prepare the unit for pest control,since, I am Not in country I was not able to prepare the unit,
Do I have to pay penalty for this?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 24, 2024
If you're not in the country and couldn't prepare your unit for pest control, your situation might be a bit complex. Typically, landlords expect tenants to comply with such requests, but since you were out of the country, you had a reasonable excuse.
You should explain your... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 24, 2024
Under California law, landlords are not legally required to provide storage for tenants unless it's specified in the rental agreement. If your lease includes provisions for storage, the landlord must honor that agreement and maintain the storage space as described.
If there is no... View More
unsealed windows , and landlord knew these conditions existed prior to lease. can i seek punitive damages. paid 6 months rent in advance and suffered thru snow and freeze in winter.
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 24, 2024
Yes, you can potentially sue your landlord for the issues you've described. In California, landlords are required to provide habitable living conditions, which include proper insulation, heating, and sealed windows. The problems you've mentioned—missing insulation, unsealed windows, and... View More
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... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 23, 2024
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.... View More
Team. I'm on SSDI and need relocation money what do l do ?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 23, 2024
If you're facing foreclosure and need relocation money, there are a few steps you can take under California law. First, check if you are eligible for any state or federal assistance programs that provide financial aid for relocation. California offers several resources for low-income... View More
I have diabetes, a high-risk pregnancy, & on state disability for major depression. My doctor advised against staying alone due to dangerous blood sugar levels. Since then, my boyfriend cares from 10 PM to 5 AM, three to six times a week. He doesn’t shower, have a key, or keep belongings... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 23, 2024
Yes, you can request reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) for a caregiver to assist with your medical conditions without them officially moving in. The FHA requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations... View More
In the final settlement letter received after 21 days they say I owe an additional 1245 dollars. They have charged me for repainting, deep clean, carpet shampoo, etc so many cleaning related charges. I have stayed there just for a year and the condition I left apartment was fairly decent.Also my... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 23, 2024
Under California law, you may not be liable for cleaning costs beyond your security deposit if the charges are unreasonable or if the wear and tear are considered normal. Your lease agreement's vague requirement to clean to the "lessor's satisfaction" might not hold up in court... View More
tenant received 60 day notice to vacate, terminate rental agreement
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 22, 2024
In California, a landlord is generally not required to provide a reason when giving a 60-day notice to vacate for a month-to-month rental. This type of notice is often referred to as a "no-fault" notice, meaning that it is not based on any specific action or fault of the tenant. However,... View More
I live in California. I have been repeatedly asking my landlord for a copy of my lease agreement, but they are ignoring my messages, emails, and calls. Is this legal? And what can I do if it is not?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 22, 2024
In California, landlords are required by law to provide tenants with a copy of their lease agreement upon request. This ensures that you have all the necessary information regarding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Ignoring your requests for a copy of the lease can be seen as a... View More
It's a single dwelling above a garage, single tenant that we've been having issues with since Nov 2023. She has been here since July 2021. We need the dwelling for our daughter and two grandchildren. Our daughter was laid off and the grandchildren want to continue school here, where we... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 22, 2024
To give a 60-day notice to vacate to your tenant with PTSD, you need to follow California law carefully. Since she has been renting the unit since July 2021, she qualifies as a long-term tenant, and thus a 60-day notice is appropriate.
First, ensure the notice is in writing, dated, and... View More
i was told i would be sent a court date in the mail by the clerks office after the first court date, and never received one and then got sheriffs notice on my door, date says vacate by 08/06/24 instead of the 5 i thought was usually the time you are allowed. i filed motion to vacate and stay of... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 22, 2024
You can still try to get a stay and motion to vacate the judgment. It seems you have more time than initially thought. You should contact the unit secretary immediately to reserve an ex parte hearing. Ex parte hearings are urgent and can be scheduled quickly, which might help you before the lockout... View More
I am renting a storage unit. It is one of 4 units in a secluded area i.e, not typical franchise self storage. Contract states it is only for storage. It also states items are not to be stored outside unit. Also states mediation before legal claims. I did leave things outside of the unit. The... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jul 21, 2024
The storage unit owner should not take your property without proper notice, even if the contract states no items should be stored outside the unit. The manager’s voicemail was an informal warning, but it does not constitute legal notice for disposing of your property. You may argue that removing... View More
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