Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
The apartment has "Normal wear & tear - turnover cost allowances based upon reasonable care of the resident(s) & length of occupancy" schedule that tenants gain allowances base on length of occupancy. The landlord said I lived only 3 months when the allowances are given starting from 6-12months of occupancy, 13-24months of occupancy, and so on. Therefore, I have to pay full charge on wall painting, cleaning, and carpet shampoo. Is this legal?
1 Answer from Attorneys
The landlord can only charge for matters beyond normal wear and tear. But as to those items that a tenant "can" be charged for, it is up to the landlord to decide if they will charge or not. It is entirely reasonable for a landlord to give a discount to tenants for staying a longer time as tenants. So you have no legal right to protest.