Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Landlord is selling the apartments

My husband and I moved into our first apartment last October. We always pay our rent on time,usually early. We love this place. With four hours notice we found out that our landlord was selling the place and that the real estate guy and the buyers were coming over, no problem. What rights do we have? Can they(the new owners)kick us out? Can the new owners raise the rent alot? What can we expect to happen with the change of ownership? We have two cats (now allowed). Can the new owners make it no pets even though we keep our apartment very clean? There are some minor problems with plumbing that we have not told the landlord about because we didn't want to be bothersome. We have a cheap rent and I could live with little problems but if the rent gets hiked I feel I can request more. I am just so worried. Thanks for your assistance.


Asked on 3/07/00, 12:04 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Shabel Law Offices of Scott Lee Shabel

Re: Landlord is selling the apartments

Whether the new landlords can "kick you out" or raise your rent depends on a number of factors, including: Do you have a written lease? If so, what is its duration? What does it say about rent increases during the term? Do you live in a rent-controlled area? If you have a lease and it is silent about pets, the new owners may legally impose rules and restrictions regarding pets in the apartment complex, so long as those rules are not discriminatory. To find out more, please visit our website @ www.labusinesslawyer.com.

Read more
Answered on 3/21/00, 2:40 pm
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Landlord is selling the apartments

The purchaser accepts the complex subject to the existing leases. Your rent should not increase until the lease expires, unless there is something in the lease agreement that allows for changes. Read it carefully.

You are entitled to have a property that is without defects. Tell the landlord about the plumbing problem before it gets worse or causes a problem.

The new owners can raise the rent, and probably will. How much is up to them. If you have pretty cheap rent that is why the new people are buying - so the increase in rents pays for the cost of the purchase.

They can't kick you out until the expiration of your lease or under some term in the lease.

Read more
Answered on 3/20/00, 1:31 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in California