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Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Civil Rights for California on
Q: My landlord wants me to pay half utilities and wants to raise my rent .I know there is a rule on how much %

But what about the utilities if I have to pAy half it adds to well over 10% is that allowed or do I just get 30 /60 days notice of change . We rent half of

my landlords house with shared kitchen and bathroom. We have lived here for 4 yrs our rental agreement names us co tenants.

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Dec 27, 2024

There are tenant rights advocates who can assist you. Do a simple Google search, and you will see many organizations out there right in your neighborhood where you can get the assistance you need.

You must have a written contract governing your relationship with your landlord. Review that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: What are the penalties for not occupying a primary residence?

I already rented out my home and now the mortgage company only approved me to not occupy for 6 months but I signed a 12 month lease with a tenant.

The mortgage company wants a copy of my lease but I am afraid that they will accelerate the loan if I show them it’s a 12 month lease.... View More

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Dec 27, 2024

I can't speak to the mortgage company issue, as I don't handle that area of law. As to whether you can make the Tenant move out early: the simple answer is no.

You can negotiate with the Tenant, but as long as the Tenant is keeping to the terms and conditions of the lease, they...
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0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Who should we be filing small claims against?

Our previous landlord tried to charge us for "damage to the property" that was there prior to move in(we have evidence), but just before our small claims court date, it got sent to collections, and she got fired from the property management agency.

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: So I wanted to sue my apartment complex for failure to properly fix my heat in my apartment with a newborn.

For the past two weeks I have been back and forth with my apartment complex about fixing my heat in my apartment complex. The heat turns on but it does not circulate. They have sent multiple heating company workers and electricians who come in every time and find a different problem. I have a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: RE habitability requirements is there a requirement to also be protected from hotweatherlike insulated exterior walls?

This is in California. We have AC but due to the lack of insulation ,old windows and no weatherstripping it's impossible to keep temp comfortable without running up the electric bill. Since I can't afford that am I supposed to just bake in the hotter months? it gets hotter inside than... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 27, 2024

Yes, California's warranty of habitability requires landlords to provide adequate insulation and protection from extreme temperatures. Under California Civil Code 1941.1, dwellings must be weatherproofed and maintained in a way that protects tenants from both cold and hot weather conditions.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: I am a tenant - my lease states that I must give 60 days notice to vacate, but no deadline for the renewal offer.

In my current situation, the landlord did not provide a renewal offer until after my 60 day notice to vacate deadline had passed. Going forward, do I have the right to ask in writing for a renewal offer prior to the 60 day deadline, and would the landlord be obligated to comply with my request?

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Tenant moved out, provided no written 30 day notice, left stuff, Rent owed. As Landlord, how should I terminate tenancy?

Am I ending tenancy due to unpaid rent (3 days), or due to abandonment (18 days), and then am I ignoring rent?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2024

Based on California law, you'll want to handle this as an abandonment case since the tenant has already moved out. The key factor isn't the unpaid rent - it's that they've vacated without proper notice. You should first document the abandonment by taking photos and noting when... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: California: How does landlord regain posession when tenant refuses to give written termination, gone left some stuff?

Have been in communication asking for this document, since I am required to do things keyed off the written termination date that I don't have

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2024

In California, when a tenant has moved out but left belongings behind without providing written notice, you can start the legal abandonment process. Document all attempts to contact the tenant requesting written notice, including texts, emails, or certified letters.

If the tenant appears to...
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0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Louisiana on
Q: On an eviction case can someone sit in for the landlord as the plaintiff is it legal for someone else to sit in

And is it legal to be evicted after the fact that the landlord shut my utilities off causing me to lose my job because I work from home is this legal

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Oregon on
Q: Am I entitled to reduced rent if the central heating system has been broken for a month?

We are in our 4th week of no heat due to the furnace being broken for the 3rd time in a month. We are good tenants and always pay our rent on time. We've been good sports up to this point, but space heaters don't keep it warm and our electric bill is going to skyrocket. Thank you very much.

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Landlord - Tenant, Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Montana on
Q: What kind of attorney do I need for an improper eviction on me, that was never filed in court and for theft of my mobile

After turning off power in the middle of winter and evicting the person who had the lease with this man but this person was staying in my mobile home that I own was evicted then he kicks off my helpers to move the trailer where I had a place to put it any claims it as abandoned never never was... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Kentucky on
Q: Renting out rooms in a Single-Family Home to friends. Is this just a boarding house?

I am looking to buy a house and would like to bring my roommates with me. (We have lived together for over a decade) How many roommates would classify my single-family home as a "boarding house?" For context, we do not want to apply for a shared mortgage, so it would be entirely in my... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Wa state, sent email with exact date of late rent, response from prpty mngr -thanks , but I have to file.

As promised in email, I get cashier check with late fee +rent and party mngr REFUSES to accept the check. Tells me I must wait for their attorney to file and pay their fees. I ask why did she not tell me in the email to NOT pay rent when I told her of my exact pay schedule? Pretty mngr emails their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can a landlord dictate who comes to the house when someone is renting a room… or couch?

My friend pays rent to live on someone’s couch but there is no lease between them. The landlord/homeowner is a horrible person. She refuses to work and is constantly telling lies to manipulate my friend into getting money from her. My friend feels obligated to give it to her because she doesn’t... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2024

Your friend's situation with this controlling landlord is concerning, especially since there's no formal lease agreement in place. While tenants typically have the right to receive visitors during reasonable hours, the lack of a written agreement makes this situation more complex.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: I posted a Notice to Leave Premises, what do I do if the person comes back after the time expires?

The person is not currently here but left there belongings. So what should I do if the person returns after the Notice expires?

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Dec 30, 2024

You should consult an attorney in your area regarding proper local rules for an eviction, and begin the eviction process. If all you have done so far is post a notice, that is insufficient to retain possession of the property. It is unclear from your post whether you have given a 30- or 3-day... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Small Claims for Florida on
Q: My landlord is witholding my security deposit illegally. I informed her in time and left the Apt. in optimal conditions

I took the apartment in uninhabitable conditions on February, 2023. Under the agreement to make the necessary repairs and pay a monthly rent of $1,634.00 adjusted to meet the cost stipulated by the Miami Beach Housing Authority (see attached agreement sheet) And that the total cost to be paid for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: hey guys, question. I got evicted landlord claim rent was not paid , but i did but then 8/31 rent was return

The landlord claimed on April 27, 2024, that rent was unpaid. I told her I had paid and asked her to double-check. The next day, she apologized. In July 2024, I paid late and explained the delay. I overpaid by $25, stating I had a credit for August rent. She demanded $3,500 instead of $3,475, which... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation, especially with your health challenges. This sounds incredibly stressful, and it's clear you're doing your best to protect your family.

Your case has several concerning elements - the inconsistent due dates, the returned rent...
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