Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

I'm 20, in my first apartment i think the landlord is taking advantage of me.

My 2yr old son & i just moved into my first apartment w/ my mother as a co-signer on a 1 yr lease. (i am one of the only tenants that had to sign a year lease.) i have cockroaches, the windows have gaps that keeps my house cold at night. the landlord wants a copy of all my visitor's IDs. he gave me my first write up because 2 males had been visiting another tentant on the property. after doing so they asked if any one knew me or where i live. i had no control over that nor did i invite these people over. on my lease there was nothing that says i can't have visitors. the land lord reminds me that if something goes wrong they have my mom as a co-signer i think he is trying to stick her w/a bill is any of this fair? do i have to let him know all my personal business, visitors, etc?


Asked on 4/30/03, 11:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Martin Snitow

Re: I'm 20, in my first apartment i think the landlord is taking advantage of me

Complain in writing to the landlord about the problems in the apartment. Ask him to make repairs and keep a copy of your requests. If he does not follow through in a reasonable time, go to the local building department.

As for his "write up" and requests for information about visitors, tell him that the lease does not require anything like that. You have a right to stay in the apartment for a year unless you fail to pay rent or otherwise breach the lease. If the landlord does not like you or what you do he is stuck with you until the lease expires. You might suggest that you talk over your differences together because eventually the lease will end and you may want to stay there.

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Answered on 4/30/03, 1:25 pm


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