Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: sued

First, did you have a written lease with the real estate broker, or was it just an oral agreement to rent an office? Second, when you say she "took" the key, were you moved out? Had you effectively surrendered the property, or did the real estate broker exercise "self-help" in evicting you? There are a lot of issues that cannot be analyzed without more facts. I don't believe, given the fact that this will require a review of any lease agreement between you and the broker, this question can really be answered on this forum.

As a general rule, however, with a commercial tenancy, you can be held liable for the balance of the lease term if you terminate prior to the end of the lease. I would suggest that you meet with an attorney to review where you stand, and attempt to resolve this matter with the broker amicably before a lawsuit is filed.

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