Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
I'm in Los Angeles County. I sublease a room in a house (roommate situation). I signed a standard month to month rental form. I also put up a $1000.00 deposit. Three months later I've realized that my roommate/landlord has bad financial problems. He's behind on all the utility bills and has numerous outstanding debts. This situation is too unstable for my piece of mind and I just want to move somewhere else. My concern is that he has spent my $1000.00 deposit. He says its none of my business where or what has become of my $1000.00 deposit. The law states he has 21 days after I move out to settle with the deposit money and until then he can do what ever he wants to with the money. Are there any laws covering this?
1 Answer from Attorneys
If you are in one of the L.A. area jurisdictions under rent control he is wrong. Otherwise be is right.