Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
landlord responsibility
I would like to know if, in the state of California a landlord can charge more for a deposit on an apartment than the amount of the rent. I pay $225.00 a month and my landlord took $450.00 for a deposit. I'v paid my last months rent on Oct.1, 1999,with my thirtyday notice. I signed a lease saying I had paid that.
Also, I know a landlord doesn't have to return a deposit for twentyone days, but are they required to inspect the apartment when I move out? In case vandels come in sometime during the twentyone days? My landlord said she didn't have to.
Also, it says in the lease that I am responsile for cleaning the rug. But, I have told them it has smelled like cats since I moved in. Others have noticed the cat smell. She says no cats have ever lived there. Another tenant told me a man with five cats lived there. I'm sure he does not want to witness that. She says I have to wash the rug. I'v only lived there two months.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: landlord responsibility
It is my recollection that the California Civil code allows a security deposit upto 1 1/2 times the monthly rent.
Check Nolo Press for a book on tenant rights
There is also a two volume set by Moskovitz on Eviction Defense that provides an excellent source of reliable informtion.
Both of these books should be available at your local library.