Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

tennant extortion please help!!!!

I need to sell a home A.S.A.P. The home is currently leased with about six months remaining on a one year lease. The problem is the people who are leasing the home won�t move out, and they won�t let me or anyone else access the property making it almost impossible to sell.

The renters said they would allow access to the property if I agreed to give them $20,000.00 upon close of escrow. I agreed to this demand in writing. Then they demanded that they and only they have the authority to break the lease at any time, and I said no. I didn�t want to loose out on the rental income if the home didn�t sell. I figured $20,000.00 was more than generous.

I have now decided to honor the remainder of the lease, and give them sixty days notice to vacate the premises prior to the expiration of the lease. Now, the tenants will have to move out with no money when the lease expires. The tenants are in law enforcement and have free legal counsel. I believe they are planning some kind of retaliation against me. My realtor recently received a call from their attorney who wanted to know if termites were a health hazard.

1. What might these tenants try to intimidate and/or extort me?

2. Do I need legal counsel?


Asked on 8/28/04, 4:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Larry Rothman Larry Rothman & Associates

Re: tennant extortion please help!!!!

We may be able to evict them for a breach of a covenant on the lease. You don't have to be extorted. Please contact my office at 714 363 0220 to set up an appointment. I would like to review your written documentation including any letters. We handle cases throughout California. We can review your documentation by fax and speak with you by phone.

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Answered on 8/28/04, 4:57 pm


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