Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

I moved in to a house in Los Angeles in April of 2013. Prior to my move in, the existing tenant (we'll call him Joe) who has the month to month lease with the landlord received a rent increase in February of 2013. The landlord in November gave us 60 days to vacate because he wants to raise the rent. Upon receipt of the notice, Joe decided he wants to move out. Myself and the other roommate (there was a 3rd roommate that moved in after me) want to keep the house. However, the landlord wants to increase the rent over $1000 what Joe is currently paying him. Is he allowed to do this? Essentially he's saying we don't have a lease with him and we need to pay $1,000 more a month or vacate.

Asked on 12/13/13, 6:23 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

A response from an attorney who practices in L.A. County would be preferable, because we guys who practice upstate don't necessarily know all the ins-and-outs of Los Angeles rent control laws. However, based upon general principles of landlord-tenant law, I'd say the landlord here probably is correct. Unless you have been added to Joe's lease, you are probably Joe's sub-tenants and you have no rights or responsibilities with or toward Joe's landlord.

Answered on 12/13/13, 8:08 pm

Mark as helpful