Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Who Do I Sue ??

Ilive in a four unit apt.It was sold aprox.9mo.The

building needed alot of repairs.He has abandoned

it,the city is going to demolish it.They posted a

notice on it in May but told us not to worry about it.

We were told the landlord had to pay us Relocation

money,but He can't be found.The city had us fill out

papers for Relocation.We've heard nothing from them

until now.We have to go to court on Municipal Code

Violations for the building repairs Also there was a

$600+ outstanding water bill we have had to try to pay

to keep our water.What legal recourse do we have? Can

we sue the city ? Only two of the four units were

given new leases,and we all lost our security deposits

to the fo


Asked on 9/05/00, 8:04 am

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

Re: Who Do I Sue ??

Well, you have tried to tell a long story in one paragraph and a lot of necessary details aren't given, so here are some very general comments.

First, if you are going to sue anyone, especially a landlord that is hard to find and/or the City, you will need a lawyer.

Since you will need a lawyer anyway, start out by taking all your documentation to the lawyer and asking her or him whom to sue. My guess is that if the city is condemning the building and there are still tenants with leases there, the tenants are entitled to some compensation and the city should be sued along with the landlord. Determining the proper claims to make in your complaint would require an attorney to review your situation up close and personal.

I can't be much help with the water bill without particulars, or the Municipal Code violations, which would be within the expertise of a lawyer that practices in your city.

In addition to bringing a civil lawsuit against the City and the landlord, you might bring the matter to the attention of the District Attorney since there could be criminal 'rent skimming' by the landlord. Ask the DA's office for an appointment with their white-collar crimes specialist.

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Answered on 10/05/00, 4:46 am


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