Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

I leased a duplex unit through a rental department. The owner and one rental office worker showed up at my house to do an inspection. We had no idea that we were to be inspected. My husband let them in feeling pressured and on the spot. I called from work to complain to the rental company that they did not give notice and we should have had 24 hr notice. They said it was a mistake and wouldn't ever happen again. Is this a breach in contract? no notice?

Also, a few months later I put in a work request with our rental office. I asked to be notified and called to set up an appointment with the maintenance crew. I left for the weekend to see my mother. My husband at the time had started new antidepressants and was not adjusting well to them. My husband calls me saying that the owner showed up with his [buddy/maintenance man] and just walked in like they owned it. I while on the phone with my husband asked to speak with the maintenance man. I told the man on the phone I was very upset since no appointment was set up and I am not home. Plus this being the second time not being given notice. He was Very sorry... They intruded into my husband paranoid state and later in the evening my husband took his life.

This I feel is a prime situation why notice is to be given. They can't just show up in peoples lives. I feel that the confrontation my husband had with the owner increased his mental anxiety and paranoid state. Also to add we rental from a Rental Company. Not from the owner personally. This is just some man in the world. We had only had worker come for maintenance before sent directly from the company. Did they break the law by giving me no notice twice ? I complained twice also, What right do I have?


Asked on 1/31/11, 1:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joe Marman Law Office of Joseph Marman

You may have a very large value case. You would have to prove to the jury that the landlord or the management company knew or should have known that your husband was in a delicate state adn that any turmoil may send him over the edge. The attorneys for the management will argue that they could not have expected that you husband would take his own life. But there may be enough risk, that the insurance for the management company would want to offer some money to avoid letting the jury decide their fate. I am in Citrus Heights, near Roseville and Sacramento, and I would be happy to talk to you more about this. PHone (916) 721-3324

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Answered on 2/08/11, 3:29 pm


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