Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Employment Verification, Lease Signed, Job Fell Through

I work for a medical organization in Southern California and recently applied for a transfer to Northern California, working for the same department. I had three interviews, and even received a phone call that wanted to verify I was still interested in the position. I stated that I was very much interested, and should I start looking for a place to live?� They replied �Yes start looking.� I asked �Can I use you as a reference to verify employment� Again they replied �Yes�. So I traveled back up North again, applied for a house through a property management group. The property management group verified my transfer with my potential employer. They verified salary and even a start date. I then traveled back up North to sign the lease and make a deposit. When I returned to southern California I received a phone call from HR �Well I have some bad news the Job fell through and it looks like you are out of luck.� All of this after they verified employment for me. Do I have a case?


Asked on 2/28/06, 2:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Patrick Turner Patrick E. Turner Inc. APLC

Re: Employment Verification, Lease Signed, Job Fell Through

Based upon the limited information you provided, you may have a colorable claim to recover any money you are out as a result of signing the lease. You wouldn't, however, be able to force the employer to move you to Northern California.

California law requires an employer to indemnify its employees for any expenses or losses associated with their employment. In reliance upon representations made by the employer, you incurred lease expenses. Whether you can recover these expenses will depend upon how "firm" the employer indicated the transfer was to you and to the leasing agent. I would recommend you bring this situation to the employer's attention; it may decide to reimburse you for the loss without much difficulty or protest.

Read more
Answered on 3/02/06, 7:47 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in California