PDA

View Full Version : Landlord took over premises before end of term California


ValleyGal
02-04-2007, 10:46 PM
Hi.

I rented a place in the Valley (LA), for 1.5 years. The first 12 months were on a 12-month lease, then month to month thereafter.

I gave notice on 1/1/2007, in writing, along with my January rent check, to vacate on 1/31/2007. She called me immediately, as well as advertised and showed it immediately.

I moved in increments, because the movers I hired didn't have room for all my things. The bulk was moved by said movers on 1/20. I moved early to allow for time to clean, etc., since I moved 30 miles away. I came by two more times to move what the movers left behind. Each time, the landlady would 'drop by' or lurk in her car down the street, waiting until I left. Whenever I returned, it had been obvious she had been there - doors unlocked, etc. Plus, some of my property turned up 'missing'.

The landlady, who had a history of coming by without notice, kept bugging me to come over and move my stuff, clean it, etc. I told her that it would be done by 1/31/2007, and I would let her know, and drop off the keys. I finally got everything moved out by 1/28, and needed to come back to clean.

I came by the unit on 1/30, with cleaning implements, and to pick up any mail that hadn't been forwarded, leave my keys for the landlady, etc. I walked in, AND THE PLACE HAD ALREADY BEEN OCCUPIED. There were pictures on the walls, furniture arranged and everything. Luckily I had a camera on me - click-click. More luckily, the tenants weren't there, or armed for an intruder.

Incredible.

What is the legal term for this? How will this affect my deposit? I need to phrase my letter correctly, and to send my new address to the former landlady. Not only hadn't I surrendered the property to her, she was renting to two tenants at the same time, without my knowledge nor permission.

Nothing shocks me in LA anymore...

Thanks

Brook
02-05-2007, 04:55 PM
Hi.

What is the legal term for this? How will this affect my deposit? I need to phrase my letter correctly, and to send my new address to the former landlady. Not only hadn't I surrendered the property to her, she was renting to two tenants at the same time, without my knowledge nor permission.

Nothing shocks me in LA anymore...

Thanks

This can go either way because you did vacate the apartment. But, since it was just a few days I would have waited. Had it been a week or so I would say the landlord is in the right. You should write your landlord a letter with your current address and request your deposit. send your letter priority mail with delivery confirmation requested. Check your state laws to determine if a final walk through is required or not.

Complete Labor Law Poster for $24.95
from www.LaborLawCenter.com, includes
State, Federal, & OSHA posting requirements