Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Recently bought a house shortsale under contract that the former owner could live there until 6/1, paying me rent. i made plans with the tenant to have an outdoor kitchen installed in the overgrown backyard prior to my move-in date. a week after the unit was delivered and installed, the tenant "changed his mind" and demands i pay for him to take his wife to dinner or else he "will take action against the grill", having it removed from the yard. i'm so scared that he will damage my new home and property before i ever get to move in, i agreed to pay. i got the receipt for 5 people totaling $172!! my r.e. agent says he has more ultimatums for us to meet and wants the money immediately, before 6/1 when he moves out and i move in, to guarantee that nothing will be done to my outdoor kitchen unit/grill and property. thats extortion isnt it!?? what do i do, im so scared!

Asked on 5/27/10, 5:25 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

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You go to the police and tell them you want him arrested for extortion, threats against real property, etc., and see what they will do. You either have to be afraid until 6/1 or call his bluff and tell him if he does any damage you will have the police arrest both him and his wife and speak to the three others at the dinner to see if they knew what was going on and thus were co-conspirators and also guilty of a crime. Tell him to pound salt as to the food bill.

Answered on 5/27/10, 8:41 pm

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