Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

My landlord is a realtor. When my mom died and I inherited some money, she was all over me about buying a house from her. After looking for almost a year with her, I concluded that even though prices were certainly down from 5 years ago, what I really wanted still wasn't available in my price range, at least not in our area. My plan was to keep looking, and expand my search into other areas. Shortly after, my landlord/realtor served me with a 60 day notice to vacate my rental. She said that the electrical wiring needed to be redone. Despite my being an excellent tenant for 6 years, she did not offer me the option of temporarily emptying it out while the work was done. Instead she came on with an even more aggressive sales technique, knocking on my door daily with new listings that would be "really great" for me. Out of work and with 4 cats, there was no way I could find a rental. So, up against my deadline, I bought something that wasn't all to my liking. I've tried to make this place work for me, but its been an absolute nightmare in numerous ways. Now I'm trying to sell it, while the market is down even more. There's no hope I'll be able to recover my investment. Perhaps the hardest part of all of this is living with all the anger inside me at this horrible woman. I know I have to take responsibility for the bad decisions I made, but it was she that forced me into a position where I had to make them. Is there a legal way to deal with her for initiating the mess I've made?


Asked on 1/15/11, 8:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

If the pressure she placed on you was no greater than what you relate, there does not seem to be any basis of a lawsuit. She had a legal right to give you the 60 days notice, even though you could have contiued to occupy the rental while the work was being done. Unless she misrepresented something you are out of luck.

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Answered on 1/20/11, 9:32 pm


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