Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Can a Landlord ban a tenant's guest?

I own a house that I live in and rent out several bedrooms in month to month. Several months ago I had to ask a tenant to leave for a number of reasons, including being threatening to myself and other roommates (could possibly be considered assault but no legal action was taken) and not following several of the rules in the rental agreement. After an incredibly unpleasant 35 days (was given 30 days' notice) of confrontation and aggression towards myself and another roommate he moved out. He now returns occasionally to visit one of the roommates who he is still friends with, and does disrespectful things like parks in the driveway and I've overheard him trash talking me on a couple occasions.

At this point I do not feel comfortable having him in my house and have asked all the roommates not to invite/allow him on the property but the problem persists. Do I have a legal right to ban him from my property and have him arrested for trespassing? Will this stand if a tenant has invited him on the property as a guest?


Asked on 11/24/10, 8:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

If a tenant invites him in I do not think you could claim it to be a trespass as he has the permission of a person lawfully on the premises. You can tell all the tenants why you do not want him there and that if they invite him you will not renew their lease. If he threatens you then you can report him to the police, although they likely will not respond.

Read more
Answered on 11/29/10, 10:49 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in California