Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Damage done to tenants personal belongings
Seven months ago, I moved with my 2 small sons to a condo. At that time I listed all repairs that needed to be done to the condo, to just make it liveable, and sent it to my landlord. Every single appliance has broken down, and it takes days, often weeks, to get a response from him. The hot water heater has been an issue since day one, last month for 16 days I had no hot water. Despite my calls and letters, the landlord has put me off. Five nights ago, the water heater exploded, the fire department was here for 4 hours vacumming. My personal belongings were damaged, enyertainment center, couches, pictures, clothes, home video tapes...What are my rights? Do I have any? As of November 15th, we went on a month to month lease, but he told me 2 days ago that he was just going to sell the place. My heater doesn't work either, I told him he needed to replace it, the water heater, and the carpet or padding, making it in a liveable state, then could give me a 30 day notice. Am I right? Meanwhile my things are sitting on soaked carpet, furthering it's damage, he has done nothing to help. Please, help me!!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Damage done to tenants personal belongings
Contact the code enforcemnt department of the city in which the condo is located. They will order the landlord to make the necessary repairs. By law the landlord must provide hotwater, a heater and some other appliances.
You should not be liable for rent when you did not have hot water or heat. You could sue the landlord in small claims court, the maximum amount that you can collect would b $5,000.00. You should also contact the local bar association to find out if there is a local renters advocate.
If there is not a local renters advocate, the bar association can refer you to a law clinic or attorney that should be able to help you.
Lyle Johnson
Lyle W. Johnson Attorney at Law
152 N. Third Street, Suite 510
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