Legal Question in Business Law in California

Your attorney question is unfortunately posted in the wrong category - Business Law - and needs to be re-posed in Landlord-Tenant or Real Estate Law. Please re-post or consult with an attorney in your area for specific advise.

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

Based on the little information you have provided, you are probably not entitled to the return of your deposit and, likely, are liable to the landlord for his/her damages from your breach of the lease.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above response is not intended to, and does not, create an attorney-client, fiduciary or other confidential relationship with the responder. Neither does it constitute the providing of legal advice or services or the giving of a legal opinion by the responder. Such a relationship can only be created, and legal advice and/or legal services provided, pursuant to a written agreement with the responder. Accordingly, no obligations of any kind are assumed with respect to any matter or question presented. It should also be noted that legal issues are often time sensitive and legal rights may be lost or compromised if you do not act in a timely fashion.

I would agree with Mr. Reich. A landlord is responsible to the tenant to maintain the security that was in place at the outset of the lease, like guard service or outdoor lighting or fences. If the landlord discontinues the guard service, or lets the lighting burn out, or doesn't repair the fence, there has been a reduction of security by the landlord. Absent something like this, the landlord is not an insurance company and is not liable for neighborhood conditions.