Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Renters Rights

A friend of mine rents an apartment and recently signed a new lease. He has lived there for 6 years. The rent increased $200.00. Three days later, a neighbor moved in and her rent is less then what he was paying before the rent increase. Both appartments are exaclty the same in every way. The new neighbor said the landlord gave her a great deal because they need tenants. Is this legal? Shouldn't everyone pay the same? All the facts are here. They signed a lease the same month, same size place,same everything. I was going to talk to the landlord but I need your help with legal terms and laws. I do know that this can't be right. Thankyou in advance for your time and advice with this horrible unfair situation.


Asked on 9/10/02, 2:32 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ken Koenen Koenen & Tokunaga, P.C.

Re: Renters Rights

There is no legal basis for a landlord to charge all tenants the same. Airlines charge one person $300 for a ticket, and the person next to him paid $1000. Car dealers get more for a car from one purchaser than the get for an identical car from a different purchaser.

Your friend should have looked around and done some research before signing a new lease. All of this assumes that you are not in a rent control area.

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Answered on 9/10/02, 12:01 pm
Keith E. Cooper Keith E. Cooper, Esq.

Re: Renters Rights

First, this is NOT an intellectual property question--it is a question regarding real property.

Second, generally speaking, a landlord can charge whatever he/she wishes unless there are rent control ordinances in effect in the jurisdiction where the property lies.

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Answered on 9/19/02, 8:37 pm


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