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California Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can the owner of a motel raise the price on a tenant without notifying the tenant? What about being way over charged?

Original price when checked in was $450 a month ago. Now without notifying us it's somehow gone up to $700 within the month.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 1, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's a concise response to the situation:

1. Motels typically fall under different rules than standard rental properties. They are generally considered transient lodging rather than residential tenancies.

2. For short-term stays, motel...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I never signed a lease and i haven't been here for a month. I'm moving out due to the landlord lying to me.

can I get my full deposit back? he lied to me about the restroom situation. I only gave him 11-day notice that I was moving out. what can I do?

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answered on Jul 1, 2024

To address this situation, let's break it down into key points:

1. No signed lease: This is important, as it means you're likely considered a month-to-month tenant under California law.

2. Length of stay: You mention you haven't been there for a month, which could...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Civil Rights for California on
Q: does the following count as an eviction notice.

“ You are not a tenant at the apartment. It’s not my apartment I do not live there and you stayin there is not allowed. I am not a tenant and you are not one either there was no rental agreement between us and you are in MY apartment against my wishes. This is an unlawful occupation of my... View More

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answered on Jul 1, 2024

Based on the information provided, there are several important points to consider:

1. Tenancy status:

Despite not having a written lease agreement, you may still be considered a tenant under California law. If you've been living in the apartment for over 6 months and paying...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: is it legal for my ex to refuse to take my rent? ive been living here more than 6 months.

lease is under his name so only he can make the payment. i have cash im offering him. he used the excuse that i owe him money which he offered previously to GIVE (not loan) me to purchase a vehicle which i paid for in cash including my own money. he now is asking for it back and im offering him... View More

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answered on Jul 1, 2024

I understand this is a complex and emotionally challenging situation. Let me break down the legal aspects as best I can based on the information provided:

1. Rent refusal:

It's generally not legal for a landlord to refuse rent payments without proper cause. However, since...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: The wome who owns the house has been harassing me for two years. What is the first step I need to do to start a tenant/

What is the first step I need to do to start a tenant /landlord lawsuit. My sister and I have been living here since 2015, nine years. We pay our rent by cleaning running errands. I have a list of all my work duties. The main problem is she is gay and wants a relationship with my sister and I... View More

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answered on Jul 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're experiencing. Here are the initial steps you can take to address this issue:

1. Document everything:

- Continue recording incidents of harassment

- Keep a detailed log of all interactions, including dates,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: If a Complaint fails to state a Cause of Action then the Court lacks Subject Matter Jurisdiction?

What is the Statute or CCP that details a Court lacking Subject Matter Jurisdiction if a Complaint does not state a Cause of Action?Thank You for your time and response?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 1, 2024

There appears to be some confusion in this question. Let me clarify a few key points:

1. Failure to state a cause of action and lack of subject matter jurisdiction are two distinct legal concepts.

2. A failure to state a cause of action does not automatically mean the court lacks...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Is it legal for a "Hotel" to rent an individual a room for one night, with a defected or tampered with "Smoke Detector"

What Can I do if the 'Hotel" rented me a room with a smoke detector that was covered in plastic (plastic Bag (I think). My safety was obviously in danger. Can I recover my funds paid for the evening being as I was frightened after I noticed it, and gather my belongings and immediately... View More

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answered on Jul 1, 2024

This is a concerning situation. Here's a concise response addressing the key points:

1. Legality: It is not legal for a hotel to rent a room with a defective or tampered smoke detector. This violates fire safety codes and puts guests at risk.

2. Your actions: You did the right...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Security deposit dispute.

Landlord is charging me for a new stove when it's operable, but has scratches from normal use. They said their repair guy says it needs to be replaced because it's a fire hazard, but no proof. Their explanation was the finish being damaged and the burners being grease. All issues can be... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

Based on the information provided, there are several aspects to consider in this security deposit dispute:

1. Normal wear and tear: In California, landlords cannot charge tenants for normal wear and tear. Scratches from normal use on a stove that's at least a few years old would likely...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: ABC revoked my evicted tenants license to sell indefinitely. Tenants transfers license to a person who doesn’t lease.

All of this was done with out my consent they were open and selling illegally this weekend. Sheriff refused to help me. Rent past due since May 2024.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2024

I understand you're dealing with a complex legal situation involving evicted tenants, licensing issues, and overdue rent. Let me break down the key points and provide some general guidance.

1. Eviction status: You mention "evicted tenants," but it's not clear if the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: After The Sheriffs Department has Delivered a 5 Day Notice To Vacate can I file for an Injunction to Stop the Eviction?

Can I also file a Writ of Mandate to The Fourth District Court of Appeals(I believe that is the Court to file a Writ with after the San Diego Superior Court Appeals Department), for Limited Unlawful Detainer Cases?Thank You for your time and your response.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

1. Injunction to stop eviction:

It's possible to file for an injunction, but at this stage (after a 5-day notice from the Sheriff), it's very unlikely to succeed unless there are exceptional circumstances or serious legal errors in the eviction process.

2. Writ of Mandate:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My lease states the landlord pays for refuse. I’ve been living there for 2 years. This whole time,

Ive been paying for refuse to Long Beach city. I received bills every month. So I assumed the landlord no longer pays for refuse. But yesterday I double checked with the landlord and the city, and this entire time the landlord wasn’t registered to the city to pay my refuse. So I’ve been paying... View More

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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems you may have a valid claim to recover the refuse payments you've made over the past two years. Here's a breakdown of the key points and potential next steps:

1. Lease agreement: Your lease explicitly states that the landlord is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: The judge said she would of ruled in my favor if I had told landlord I won't pay rent until problem fixed.

I had court today with my Landlord in court room 4. The judge asked me if I had said I wouldn't pay unless she fixed the problems. I wasn't a 100% sure so I said I didn't think so. I just went through all the texts and I did! Also she raised my rent during COVID claiming because of... View More

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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems there are several important legal issues at play in your landlord-tenant dispute. Here's an analysis of the key points and some potential next steps to consider:

1. Judge's statement: The judge indicating they would have...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Judge would of ruled in my favor but I wasn't sure I had proof. I found it after I left. I didn't have a lawyer. Appeal?

I found the text messages and also there is several other things. I did tell my landlord I wouldn't pay unless she fixed problems but I wasn't sure because it had been so long. Also she raised my rent several times during COVID. Can I appeal and do a counter suit m

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's a concise overview of your situation and options:

1. Appeal:

- Generally, you have a limited time to file an appeal after a court decision (often 30-60 days).

- Appeals are typically based on legal errors, not new evidence....
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My roommate left me with $658 in unpaid gas/electric bills. Do I have to pay the bill?

The account was in her name and I was added as a secondary person so that I could call about concerns about our bill last fall. I was removed completely from the account on May 24th. I called the utility company and they say I am responsible for the bill since I was a resident and it does not... View More

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answered on Jun 28, 2024

To provide the most accurate response, I'll break down the key aspects of this situation and discuss the legal implications:

1. Account ownership:

The primary account was in your roommate's name, and you were added as a secondary person.

2. Your status:

You...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My boyfriend came to live with me after getting out of prison 8 months ago. He does not pay rent or pay any utilities.

He does receive mail at the apartment. We just broke up and he says he doesn’t have to leave. What is he entitled to? Can I make him move out?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

In California, even though your boyfriend does not pay rent or utilities, he may still have tenant rights because he has lived with you for eight months and receives mail at the apartment. This establishes residency, and you may need to follow formal eviction procedures to make him move out.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can my landlord require me increase my renters insurance to a higher limit or charge me?

I have lived in my apartment for 5 years now and have carried my own renters insurance due to the issues with the plumbing in our unit. My liability is for 50k and they are now requiring me to have 100k or they will charge me for their insurance. My original lease does not say renters insurance is... View More

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answered on Jun 27, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of the situation:

1. Original lease agreement:

- Did not require renters insurance

- Only recommended renters insurance

2. New addendum:

- Requires renters insurance

- Demands a higher...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Should I file a exparte motion to set aside a judgement that was in excess of courts limit and a write was issued
Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Thank you for your question!

If the timing is proper, you can file a motion to set aside the judgment. File it and serve it to each party. The noticed motion can have:

Notice of the motion, memorandum of authority, Declarations, evidence, judicial notice, proof of service....
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Should I file a exparte motion to set aside a judgement that was in excess of courts limit and a write was issued
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

Filing an ex parte motion to set aside a judgment may be appropriate if:

1. The judgment exceeded the court's jurisdictional limit.

2. A writ of execution was issued based on this potentially invalid judgment.

However, to give you more specific advice, I'd need...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I live in Oakland Ca in an apartment which has a gate that can be closed and locked but my landlord says he can’t enforc

I am disabled and my car has been stolen from my driveway because of the gate not closed

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

I understand you're facing a difficult situation with the security gate at your apartment complex in Oakland, California. Let me provide some key points to consider:

1. Landlord responsibilities: In general, landlords are responsible for maintaining common areas and ensuring reasonable...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What does it mean when my Unlawful detainer trial is trailing? Is that good or bad for me? (tenant) Ventura County
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

When an unlawful detainer trial is "trailing," it means the trial has been postponed and is waiting for an available courtroom or judge. This is a common practice in busy court systems to manage caseloads efficiently.

For you as a tenant, whether this is good or bad depends on...
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