Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

The distinction between someone who is a guest and someone who is a tenant is not clearly defined in the law, although there are some tests courts will apply to aid in coming to a conclusion when the issue arises. Certainly a major factor will be whether there is any consideration changing hands. Sometimes guests will help defray expenses through cash contributions, and sometimes tenants pay the rent by performing services. Nevertheless, paying money rent is often a deciding factor in whether that extra person in the house is a guest or a tenant (or subtenant). Tenants (and subtenants) have rights of possession and to due process to end their possession. Guests become trespassers shortly after being told to leave. I hope this is helpful.