Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

I rent a room in a house and pay $400.00 month. I have been having many problems with my landlords son in law. They both live here as well. Well let me start by saying the son in law spent 2 months convincing me to move in and how great it would be and I would have no problems. So reluctantly I agreed and for several months my life has been hell. I was told phone and internet would be included and he has hid the phones from me locked me out of the computer and recently he brought home a dog, a vicious one. I have a pitbull and he is very gentle he gets along with the 2 pomeranians here. My problem is this besides the son in law bad mouthing me hiding the phones and creating stress and invading my privacy, tonight after checking to make sure it was safe I took my dog outside to go to the bathroom. His dog was in his room door closed. As my dog and I were coming in the house we were ambushed by his dog. I was bit in the throat and my dog suffered several puncture wounds and a broken dewclaw. Blood is all over my carpet and bed. When I moved in he did not have this dog and it was disclosed that my dog was abused and I rescued him and his safety and well being is everything to me. I was reassured that moving in here would be a good positive move. It was also agreed upon that I would pay weekly due to the fact I only make minimum wage once again I was told it was no problem. The son in law is now saying I need to pay in advance when he knows that I cant do that and I am renting from the mother in law. My point is this the mother in law doesnt defend me or put the son in law in his place. I know I have rights to privacy and to be free from this stress and he is relentless. What can and should I do?


Asked on 11/09/12, 12:38 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daphne Macklin Law Office of Daphne L. Macklin

As a boarder, that is someone renting a room in a home rather than a co-tenant, you have limited rights. As the situation seems to be extremely unsafe for you and your animal, my recommendation is that you move out immediately. Once you are out of the residence you should consider whether you want to sue the son-in-law for your medical and vet expenses as well as damage to your personal property. I would suggest doing this in Small Claims court but your first priority is to get yourself and your dog into a safe living situation.

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Answered on 11/14/12, 9:08 am


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