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.

Asked on 10/06/99, 5:37 pm

Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

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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.

Answered on 10/26/99, 2:45 pm

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