Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Landlord requiring commitment to arbitration?

I have made a deposit on a rental apartment in Valencia, CA. The landlord now wants me to sign something committing to arbitration, should any disputes arise. I'm 35 and have rented many apartments and have never been asked to sign away my right to go to court, so I'm wary...but I wonder if this is standard practice here (I'm from NY).

Should the fact that arbitration is set up worry me or reassure me? Is this normal or does it mean they have a LOT of complaints/disputes?


Asked on 6/13/07, 9:51 pm

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

Re: Landlord requiring commitment to arbitration?

Arbitration has been slowly growing (generally called ADR) around the country to settle disputes...it is cheaper than court, and frequently fairer. The following website explains it very well. It is NOT standard practice yet, but may be within a decade or so. This should neither reassure you, nor worry you. I would doubt that there are a lot of complaints. After reading on ADR in California, please feel free to e-mail me, or call with additional concerns. Sometimes, it is good to worry...probably not so here.http://www.weblocator.com/attorney/ca/law/c09.html

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Answered on 6/14/07, 6:11 am


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