Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Tenant problems

I had been living in my apt. in West Hollywood for over 20 years. I am 60 years old. About a year ago I was asked by the mgt. company to manage the 14 unit building. They paid me a small salary with NO reduction in rent. I continued to pay the same rent the last year. They even gave me an increase as they did the other tenants in August.

One of the tenants who is african american and only been here a short time accused me of harassment and other lies. He sent letters to all the other tenants making up things that I said to him -- defaming my character and libeling me. There are no witnesses either to any of his lies unless he has gotten people to lie for him. The Management company is afraid of getting sued by this tenant and losing their license, so they suspended me and is investigating these allegations. Many of these tenants are shocked and are willing to attest to my good character. Other tenants will not get involved.

What are my rights in all of this and can I get evicted based on this angry tenant's lies?

Thank you


Asked on 12/21/02, 4:07 pm

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

Re: Tenant problems

Let's hope the investigation clears you, and it sounds as though it should.

Whether you can be evicted will depend upon your lease terms, the outcome of the investigation, and the local rent-control ordinance which gives you greater rights that in general state-wide. I understand down there the landlord must show 'just cause' to evict, but I don't know how one would fight an 'unjust' eviction there.

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Answered on 12/22/02, 5:52 pm


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