Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: Lease Change

Probably not. Need to see lease. Ask landlord where this is allowed in lease. If not, cannot.

Re: Lease Change

Absent a provision in the lease providing for this type of unilateral change without your consent, the answer is "no". Take your concern to your landlord and ask him/her where in the lease it allows him/her to do this.

Re: Lease Change

Unless the lease has a clause allowing the landlord to make this type of modification to the lease terms, then the answer to your question is no. Although the amount in dipsute seems relatively minor, a small dispute like this can quickly excalate. Talk to your landlord about this now.

When discussing this matter, consider how long you plan on staying at this place. I once had a church as a client that had a dispute with its landlord over common area charges (property taxes, insurance, etc.). In the short run, my client won but the landlord really jacked up the rent during negotiations for the second lease term.

If you can't resolve it amicably, you might just pay the $20 under protest and sue in small claims after you move out. On the other hand, the landlord might say "Ooops" and forget about the $20. Just be mindful of the landlord's personality and how this might impact your relationship between now and August 2006.