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California Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: my landlord discussed my lease agreement with my neighbors and he’s also having the neighbors watch me. Is that legal

Furthermore, my landlord went on the state that one of my guests cannot come over any longer because that’s what the neighbors required of me, but it doesn’t say anything about that in the lease

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 21, 2024

Your landlord's actions raise several privacy and legal concerns under California law. Discussing your lease details with neighbors violates your right to privacy, and having neighbors surveil you could potentially constitute harassment.

Unless your lease specifically includes...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I am 64y old and have been on SS and I have been giving a 60 day verbal notice to move so the owners son can move in.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 20, 2024

In California, landlords must provide written notice, not just verbal notice, when asking tenants to vacate for owner move-in situations. This is especially important given your status as a senior citizen on Social Security.

Your landlord needs to follow specific legal requirements,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: How can I get an extension on an unlawful detainer? How long in advance to the hearing should I file?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 20, 2024

To request an extension (also called a continuance) for your unlawful detainer hearing in California, you'll need to file Form UD-115 with the court. This form should be filed as soon as possible, ideally at least 5 days before your scheduled hearing date.

When filing, you must explain...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Is there any to get my ex girlfriend to leave legally from my mother's home/property?

My ex-girlfriend and I split up recently about 7 months ago. We have a 2 year old daughter. My ex still lives with me and split the rent 50/50. She has recently started antagonizing me more and more. She told me a couple of days ago if she could get my opinion on something and proceeded to ask me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2024

Your situation involves both landlord-tenant law and family law due to your child, making it complex but not impossible to resolve.

Since your ex-girlfriend has established residency by living there and paying rent, she has tenant rights even without formal paperwork, meaning you cannot...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I am on section 8 in California and recieved a 90 day notice from landlord that was no fault just cause. Landlord refuse

To pay relocation fee and I never signed a lease with this new landlord only the prior landlord. What do I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2024

Your tenant rights are protected under California law, even without signing a new lease with the current landlord - the original lease terms carry over when ownership changes. In "no-fault just cause" evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance according to California Civil... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I’ve rented for 29 months a garage for storage purposes. When going to get belongings for holiday the entire unit was

Infested by huge live and dead rodents! Maggots all over the place, the smell of urine and feces and death has destroyed everything! How much can I legally sue for?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2024

This situation is deeply distressing, and you have grounds for legal action against your landlord based on California's implied warranty of habitability, which extends to storage units.

You can sue for the full replacement value of all damaged belongings, plus compensation for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Bridge Property Management Inc. refused to repairt my Thermostat for 5 months, Breach the Lease and my Oral Lease

Bridge Property Management Inc. (BPM) -managing TL-residence SF, refused to repairt my Thermostat for 5 months, and refused to reduce the rent upon the law, Can I withhold partial rent per month?

overcharged me $500 but refused to refund, charged $54 but paid out to TranUnion only $16.20,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2024

Based on California landlord-tenant law, you have several valid legal claims against Bridge Property Management Inc. The issues you've described - refusing repairs, improper charges, lease violations, and coercive tactics - are serious violations of your tenant rights.

Regarding the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Tenant/Landlord question: I am moving out of unit and expected to pay for expensive window cleaning...

...and to leave unit as I found it. I moved in to dirty windows and landlord paid for cleaning a few months later. Why am I now expected to pay for moving out window cleaning? Note that it is in her boilerplate rental agreement. I am leaving unit in excellent condition, but believe this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 16, 2024

Your concerns about the window cleaning charges are valid, especially since you moved into the unit with dirty windows. While the requirement is in the rental agreement you signed, California law states that landlords can only charge for cleaning that goes beyond normal wear and tear, and they... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What can we do to get reimbursed for uninhabitable conditions?

On 11/7/23, we reported a leak from the upstairs shower down to the kitchen. There were multiple handy-men sent out to review the damage and attempt small fixes to stop the leaking. One of which, cut a hole in the ceiling, exposing potential health risks. As of 11/15/24 nothing has been fixed. We... View More

Manuel Alzamora Juarez
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answered on Nov 15, 2024

If all your complaints have not been resolved and you have proof that nothing that they have done has fixed the problem you should hire a warranty of habitability attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I was served a eviction notice from the sheriff giving me 5 days to move out but now I'm dealing with a domestic violenc

So I guess my question is I served an eviction I have 5 days to get out from the sheriff but now I'm dealing with a domestic violence issue is there anything that I can do to postpone the eviction or what can I do

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

I'm sorry you're going through this difficult time. In California, victims of domestic violence have certain protections that might help with your eviction situation. You can request a postponement of the eviction by informing the court of your circumstances. Providing documentation, such... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can the trailer park, that I live in discriminate against children ie: family status?

I live at Glen Eden family nudist resort. It is a trailer park. Children may live here for 15 days, or less, each month. No more. Also, there is a 9pm curfew for members 18 years old or younger. This means that they will miss out on concerts, shows and other fun events. It is my understanding... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

You're right to consider whether these rules may violate your rights under the Fair Housing Act. The Act protects families with children from discrimination, ensuring they have equal access to housing and its amenities. Limiting the duration children can stay or imposing strict curfews might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I'm curious about any historical changes in HACLAs Tenant Responsibilities that you may be aware of.

I had a Section 8 Voucher from approximately 2005 until approximately 2022, when I was kicked off the program. My FREE CLINIC LAWYER is trying to build a case that rules and regulations regarding tenant responsibilities were changed and I was not aware of. Any changes that you maybe aware of would... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

Let me help you understand the HACLA (Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles) situation regarding carpet maintenance responsibilities.

Your observation about the shifting responsibility for carpet maintenance is worth investigating. While basic property maintenance generally falls to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I have a lease with my landlord. The lease states I need permission to have a guest over.

I rent a self contained room with bathroom and share their kitchen in the main house. I have asked multiple times and every time she says no. I am only asking for my guest to be in my room not the shared house, and only to watch TV and study, nothing loud or intrusive to the main house. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

In California, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of your rental property, which includes having guests visit within reasonable limits - even if your lease states otherwise. This basic right cannot be completely restricted by your landlord, as such restrictions would be considered unreasonable... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Q: I hired someone to be a handyman with the agreement of rent free in exchange for handyman services .How do I evict hi

Q: I hired someone to be a handyman with the agreement of rent free in exchange for handyman services .How do I evict him

The police were called for domestic violence when his wife visited, he’s making me & elderly bed ridden father in fear and no longer want him in my house he’s... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

Based on the serious situation you've described, you need to take specific legal steps since this is both a tenancy and employment arrangement.

First, you should immediately document all incidents of threatening behavior and contact law enforcement if you feel in danger, especially...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Municipal Law for California on
Q: Is there any regulation for a chain used as a barricade to block entry to parking at Leasing office?

I entered the leasing office parking lot of my apartment complex at the night time to execute a U-turn. Unbeknownst to me, a metal chain had been installed across the entrance. This chain was positioned below my line of sight and lacked any warning signs, reflective markers, or cones to indicate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

The installation of chains or barriers across parking entrances must comply with California safety regulations and building codes. Property owners have a duty to ensure such barriers are clearly visible and properly marked to prevent accidents, particularly during nighttime hours.

Under...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I have habitability issues and my landlord is also my roommate. She is willing to live with below standard living condit

I rent rooms in my landlords home . She doesn't seem concerned about most things I have brought to her attention such as mold in the bathroom . The house is poorly insulated and no weatherstripping single pane window the house is very old and in need of attention. How can I get her to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

Your situation is challenging since your landlord is also your roommate, which can complicate the usual tenant remedies under California law.

Start by documenting all issues with photos and written records, including dates when you've brought concerns to her attention. Write her a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I am in la county California. I am on section 8. My property manager gave me a notice on Friday

I have had many issues with my property management from violating the lease with trying to give away my parking spot that was in the lease even had to get a discrimination civil rights involved it was settled they pay my rent until Jan they even tried to pretend they forgot they signed an agreement... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

Under California law and Los Angeles County regulations, your landlord must provide proper notice for inspections, and this situation raises several concerns.

The notice appears inadequate because it was given on Friday for Monday (November 11), which is Veterans Day - a federal holiday....
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My rental agreement says utilities included but one hot summer the bill was very high so I helped to pay it down .

And have been paying half utilities ever since. I am no longer able to help and it is not in my rental agreement. Am I obligated to continue paying half utilities just because I was willing and able to help before.?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

Your rental agreement is the binding legal document that governs your tenancy, and if it states that utilities are included, you are not legally obligated to pay for them - regardless of any voluntary payments you made in the past.

When you helped with the utilities during that high-bill...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My rental agreement says utilities included but one hot summer the bill was very high so I helped to pay it down .

And have been paying half utilities ever since. I am no longer able to help and it is not in my rental agreement. Am I obligated to continue paying half utilities just because I was willing and able to help before.?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 15, 2024

If your rental agreement explicitly states that utilities are included, you are not legally obligated to pay for any portion of the utilities, regardless of previous voluntary payments you made.

Your past willingness to help with utility costs does not create a new legal obligation or...
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3 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I rent rooms in my landlords home. The home is very old and needs repair and maintenance. Landlord wants more money

The house is old lacks insulation weather stripping it is poorly insulated very hard to keep comfortable . There is a leak in roof also leak in the wall behind kitchen sink causing water damage underneath the sink and in the cabinetry along the wall. There is mold in the bathroom these a just few... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Nov 9, 2024

It sounds unpleasant. You should move.

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