Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Received a one week notice to vacate my apt. from 8AM - 5PM so the owners/management may perform repairs to "open certain walls" in my apt. for "electrical" work in which I am forced to exit my apt. from 8AM - 5PM and "may not be present" from 8AM -5PM. What are my rights? I am up late and work late thus wake up after 10AM some mornings. This is a huge inconvienience. I'll have to move loads of items away from these walls in order that they work on them for whatever reason. They further state that they will "cover walls with plastic until an electrician" comes back to fix it -- when is this? I'll need to get a hotel at least for one night or two as well. Landlord should pay for hotel while walls are left open and forcing me to vacate...plus the unhealthy conditions.


Asked on 1/13/12, 2:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

The landlord has the right to enter the unit upon reasonable notice to make repairs, but you have the right to request that they make reasonable accommodations to your life schedule. Tearing the walls down will disturb other tenants if done before 9 am so it is reasonable to ask that the work not start until after 10 am. Also, the walls should be removed just before the electricians come and not remain open for several days. You have a right to know how soon that will be. If the work will reasonably force you to stay elsewhere, the landlord is responsible for housing you elsewhere. Explain in writing to the landlord why this will be necessary and what the estimated cost will be and that he should arrange to pay in advance for the hotel stay.

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Answered on 1/17/12, 2:05 pm


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