Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

owners making tenants move to raise rents

I've lived in a large apt. complex for 16 months. Now I learn that when each tenant's lease is up in my bldg., we must move so they can renovate and raise rents massively. My current rent $1,575. They offer a ''special'' I can move (at my expense) to similar unit in their complex but at $2,050/mo. When I moved in in Apr. '04 they offered maximum lease 9 mos. In Feb. '05 I could renew it for max. 7 months. Now when it expires in Nov. '06 they are going to make me move either from the complex or into a unit here at $500/month more. I DON'T want to move, I value stability and don't give a darn about renovations. If I had any idea in Apr. 04 when I moved in that they would force me to move AGAIN 18 mos. later, I would never have rented here. But on learning this, I went out and found an unusual place I thought would work -- but no, mgt. here says I have to stay till lease ends in Nov., period! So not only ''You WILL move'' but also ''when WE TELL YOU TO''! Do I have no recourse? Ideally I'd rather just stay here indefinitely, but if I must move I'd rather get it over with. I am always an excellent tenant. (By the way, a kind neighbor gave me this news few weeks ago, mgmt. wasn't going to tell me till last 30 days.) Thanks a lot.


Asked on 8/01/06, 3:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Iadevaia Law Offices of Philip A. Iadevaia

Re: owners making tenants move to raise rents

You can ask the landlord for a release from the lease. Otherwise, you're contractually bound to pay through the lease period.

Also, they cannot make you move once the lease expires unless your bldg is exempt from rent control. If subject to rent control, they have to pay you to move. If not subject to rent controls, you can be evicted after 30 days notice with or without cause. It sucks, but it's legal. Good luck.

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Answered on 8/01/06, 4:12 pm


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