Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

My mother moved into an apartment in Los Angeles around 9 months ago. Her contact was to live in the apartments for a minimum of one year. Since she's been living here, there has been many issues around the apartment that has been concerning me nonstop. First of all, in the parking lot garage, there seems to be some foul business going on. I don't exactly what it is, but there are just piles and piles of oil/gasoline gunk all over the premise of the parking lot. Some of the gunk has even spread to our parking lot floor that it has gotten on our shoes (and the adhesive gunk is a pain in the butt to get off). We complained about it, but they only tried to "fix it" but covering some of the spills with sheets of carpet. However, in the back of the parking lot, the piles of gunk is still there.

I don't know if what I am witnessing is normal, but out of my 22 years, have never seen anything like that in my life.

But more over, I'm trying to figure out if this is some kind of violation. I'm concerned for my mother's health, and want her to get the hell out of that place ASAP. However, I myself do not know much about these rights and what steps I should take. Any legal advise on what I should do/take would be greatly appreciated.

In order to give a clearer picture of our situation, here are some pictures and a video clip of the parking lot. The pictures itself will explain the situation.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2jb7cqe.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2s9as83.png

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D4EXwqTSHk

PS: the parking lot situation is NOT the only issue here. there is a problem with the sink and bathtub paint. Every time my mom takes a bath, chunks of white paint just falls off the bathtub. Same with the sink. My mother sent a letter to the landlord several weeks ago informing the 2 situations (parking lot and bathroom), but they only half heartedly responded to the parking lot situation.


Asked on 8/21/10, 10:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Well, only three months to go.......better than 11. I hope the rent is reasonable for what she's getting. Maybe a fire department inspector should look at the spills in the garage. It could be inflammable.

The white stuff that's flaking off could be porcelain.

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Answered on 8/27/10, 8:19 am


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