Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Landlord died - rent attempted to be collected from feuding parties

Hi,

My rental home was owned by a husband and wife and the husband has recently passed on. His children from a previous marriage have hired a property management firm to try and collect the rent going forward. They sent us a letter stating they don't have a copy of the lease or keys. The wife (who is on the original lease) claims she is on the title and to keep paying her. What should I do. I think I should keep paying the wife as per our contract until I see something more official by way of court documents from the children.


Asked on 9/26/08, 6:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Landlord died - rent attempted to be collected from feuding parties

Wow! I can understand your frustration. I would pay the widow by certified mail. Keep a copy of the check and the return receipt. Perhaps mail a copy to the property management company. Let them fight over it. In the accompanying letter, explain to them that you will continue to pay rent to the person on the lease until you are presented with either: 1) a court order, or 2) a signed agreement by both parties telling you otherwise.

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Answered on 9/27/08, 3:09 am


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