Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
I moved into rental property a few months ago. February rent was paid and receipt was confirmed. 1 week later, we received notice the property was in foreclosure and sold. We explained to new owner (property mgmt. company) that rent had already been paid to original owner. We contacted original owner and told him the foreclosure was never disclosed to us and that he should have never been sent February's rent. He acted clueless and said he would look into. I sent him a letter demanding reimbursement and received no response. Fast forward to 2/25/16....we received a posting on the door that the property has been sent to yet another new owner. I spoke with owner #3 and explained the situation. I told him I would promptly sent March's rent along with the new rental agreement. He inquired on the status of February's rent. What is my obligation here since I paid February rent to the appropriate owner, at least as far as my knowledge at the time???
1 Answer from Attorneys
If you paid rent to the actual owner at the time the rent was paid, a subsequent purchaser cannot demand any further rent from you for the period you paid for. Furthermore, as long as you comply with your lease or rental agreement, paying rent to whomever the legal owner is each time the rent comes due, you have either 90 days or to the end of your lease, whichever is longer, before the owner can make you move, or change the terms of your lease or agreement. Just make REALLY sure to obtain proof of who owns the property before you pay your next month's and subsequent months' rent.
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