Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Do you have a written or is it just an oral agreement [they have same force of law but easier to prove written agreement terms]. What was said about the relationship between your rent and wages? Did he ever offset your rent with what he owed you in wages? How long have you worked for him, rented from him?

To help you, we would have to have this and other similar information.

Get yourself an attorney experienced with two things: 1. California's Labor Law, particularly with respect to Industrial Wage Orders, and 2. defense of unlawful detainer proceedings. Don't procrastinate.

Go to Department of Fair Employment and Housing and file a complaint. If what you say is true, your landlord is in trouble. You should also contact Fran Campbell. She's a friend of mine and a great lawyer. Who can represent you very effectively in this area of law. You can find Fran at www.avvo.com

file a claim with the Labor Commissioner for unpaid compensation, and file an Answer and Counter Claim in the UD action, for the amount due.