Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Can Landlords change existing leases

I signed a one year lease 3 months ago.. now my landlord wants to make changes. when i signed my lease a garage was added for a extra $40 dollars per month. conditions of my lease call for a $50.00 late fee as well as a $50.00 bounced check fee. now my landlord wants me to sign another agreement stating that the garage will be separate and will require an additional $50.00 late fee and a $25.00 Bounced check fee... In addition she stated on the new agreement that if it is not signed we will be given 30 days to

vacate the garage. Can she legally do this since i have a one year lease already? I thought that by signing a lease no changes could be made until the lease was up. she has also distributed maintenance sheets, smoke detectors testing agreements and other material...all these came with a ultimatum..if they were not signed we would be given 30 days to vacate the premise... is this legal? sounds like i have a landlord from hell!!!!


Asked on 3/03/00, 1:40 pm

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

Re: Can Landlords change existing leases

Landlords cannot change existing written leases or require the signing of additional agreements as a condition of continuing your tenancy, unless those rights are granted in the original lease. To learn more, visit our website @ www.labusinesslawyer.com

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Answered on 3/16/00, 9:42 am
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Can Landlords change existing leases

A lease is binding on both sides for the life of the lease. As long as you are not in default re the terms of the lease you cannot be evicted.

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Answered on 3/15/00, 10:32 pm


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