Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Landlord kicking us out

The men who just bought our building (a fourplex) came over tonight and said

they were going to file with the city to kick us out so they can sell each

unit separately (this after I helped them get a tenant for an apt in the

building that had been vacant for over a year - they gave the new tenant a 9 month

lease). Does anyone know anything about their legal right to do this (we

had been told they could only kick us out if they were owner-occupying the

apartment which they are not doing) and what filing fees and lawyers would

approximately cost them? They are offering us a little extra money if they don't

have to file and we just go - but the whole thing seems shady to me. I've been

in the building for over 10 years. we live in Los Angeles, in a historic preservation district


Asked on 5/25/07, 11:53 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert L. Bennett Law offices of Robert L. Bennett

Re: Landlord kicking us out

Your rights as a tenant are basically unchanged. Are you covered by a lease? If so, when does it expire? If not, they must give you 30 day notice. Helping get a tenant was kind of you, but not meaningful here. It appears from your statement that new owners are converting to condominiums. If so, there are lots of procedures for owners to go through (both local and state) plus constant notice to you...AND a minimum 6 months notice to you,(if you are covered by a lease longer than 30 days) and you have first choice to buy. I can't begin to answer regarding legal and filing fees, especially because I am not 100% sure about your facts. If you want to stay, continue to pay your rent, and, as soon as you know their exact plans, you would probably benefit by finding an attorney to represent your interests.

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Answered on 5/25/07, 12:24 pm


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