Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Lease agreement

Hello-

Me and my girlfriend moved out of a duplex we rented for 4 months with two other roomates. At the time we moved in we had a dog. our landlord had us sign a lease a month after moving in and backdating it without anything in there regarding a $400 pet deposit. now that we have moved out she says under CA law by having a pet it automatically adds an addedum to our lease and that we are fully responsible for cleaning the carpet even tho our roommates have a dog too, and we agreed to split the cost of carpet cleaning. My question is that she never gave us a copy of the lease, which CA law requires within 15 days of signing. Since she did not provide us our copy, is the lease null and void or are we still responsible for what we signed? or what could be some additional options since we cant fight her since we dont have a copy of lease after 4 months...please help. Sincerely,

Jason


Asked on 9/04/07, 1:47 pm

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

Re: Lease agreement

Hi, Jason.

The lease you signed controls.

Also, there is no such pet law.

Your landlady is either mistaken, but more likely a crook (based on the facts you have submitted).

You need to stand your ground, and demand a copy of the lease. Tell her you have contacted an attorney, and a law suit is forthcoming.

Do not give an inch! You should retain an attorney, and you should have already received a deposit. I suggest, at least, that a lawyer write her a demand letter ASAP.

E-mail, or call my office, if you need more>

Good luck!

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Answered on 9/04/07, 2:25 pm


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