Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Can landlord issue UD and later sue if he is not owner
My mother is the owner of the house I live in. She lives in another state and is not capable of handling her affairs. I rent a room to a tenant in this house and am the landlord (collect rents, pay the bills, etc.). The tenant's tenancy pre-dates my status as landlord (my late father was the original landlord). The documentation I have authorizing me to act as landlord includes: 1) a notice signed by my dad, me, and the tenant transferring landlord authority to me; 2) a limited power of attorney for my mother authorizing me to sell and maintain her property and manage her bank account. Item 3 on the UD Complaint form asks Plaintiff's interest in the premises. Can any UD action I take and subsequent Small Claims suit I persue against tenant (for back rent, etc.) be thrown out because I am not an owner of the property?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Can landlord issue UD and later sue if he is not owner
You cannot represent your mother if you are not an attorney but an attorney can file a UD and use you as the witness so your mother does not have to be there.