Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Numerous Issues-Property Management

1-My husband was assigned as on-site manager 3 weeks ago, let go because 'building is being sold', now there's NO onsite presence-52 unit building

2-Sev. tenants have repairs with over 30-day notices, some span 1 year + (us incl.)

3-Substandard repairs, unlicensed, painting/spackle over mold

4-Unreturned security deposits, no receipts

5-Incomplete files, no copies of leases etc.

6-Constant change in management/Pay to w/o 30 day notice

7-Repeated vandalism in garages, often garage doors broken

8-Roach infestation throughout 80% of units

9-Property quality has gone down severely in our 4 years, yet our rent has increased over 23%

Re #1, wage was told as 'free rent + $ + moving apts' but we were not reimbursed for May rent and pay is only $1000, haven't moved apts and told not to, No contract, office hours total 46+/wk. We were given less than 30 days notice to pay rent starting July 1st (hired 5/11/07 and let go 6/7/07). In order to get 2nd paycheck, required to deliver rent checks. What are our rights?

Re other ?'s, this is ridiculous, as tenants we and sev. others are fed up. What recourse do we have, what city resources can we contact, anyone interested in pro bono work? Owner owns this & 18 other props slumlord-help!


Asked on 6/09/07, 2:13 am

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

Re: Numerous Issues-Property Management

Lots of issues here...I'll do my best.

1--Landlord ("LL"), slumlord or not, has right to sell building. It is his property. Husband and you should have been aware of situation when you accepted manager's job.

2--By your zipcode, you are in rural Plumas County. I am sure that in Quincy (the county seat) there are building inspectors who enforce county codes. Complain to the appropriate office.

3--See #2.

4--File in Small Claims court regarding security deposits.

5--This is LL's problem.

6--Don't really comprehend the question.

7--Vandalism would be a problem for the county Sheriff.

8-- Roaches solution would be to contact building inspectors.

9--I don't want to sound like I don't care, but landlord can always raise rent (with proper notice). You are not slaves. Move elsewhere if you are unhappy.

There are various ways to handle repairs: including withholding rent; repair and deduct; or move because you assert this is a "constructive eviction". If you have lived under these conditions for four years, it is going to be hard to find a sympathetic judge to take up your cause. As far as pro bono attorneys, I wish you good luck, but doubt much help is available.

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Answered on 6/09/07, 12:54 pm


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