Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Do I need an attorney to settle this?
I had a lease until 6/30/08 and asked for another month because I had not yet found a house. Finally, I did, and it closed on 5/20. 5/21 I told the LL that I would be moving on 6/28 and had transferred my utilities to the new address. I paid rent through July. LL sent legalese letter re: ''more costs to me'' and that I am breaking the agreement by not staying thru July. I am fearful he will hijack my household goods prior to the move to prevent me from leaving. He won't respond (he's ''lawyered-up) to my asking what he wants from me in order to get out. I am prepared to offer him my security deposit just to get him out of my life so he can pay July's utilities from this ($800). I told him earlier that I would be out by the second week in July or sooner, but had no response to this. Please help?? I just want OUT! Thank you.

Asked on 5/22/08, 2:46 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Stanley Moerbeek The Law Offices of Stanley L Moerbeek

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Re: Do I need an attorney to settle this?

If you have already paid your rent through July 31, then there is no issue of your landlord legally doing anything to you or your possessions. If not then the landlord may hold you to another month's rent: You got the extra month by requesting it. He cannot high jack your furniture even if you don't pay rent unless he has a court order for premises possession. Even then he can't do anything until you fail to move out by the sheriff' posted lock out date. If the landlord is all "lawyered up", as you say, maybe you should have a lawyer speak to him to see if some more acceptable arrangements can be made.

Answered on 5/22/08, 8:01 pm

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