Q & A With Properties West

Q) We have a tenant who gave a 30 day notice that he was moving. I started posting ads saying an apartment will be available at the end of this 30-day period. When I asked the tenant if I can show his unit, he said no because he was not sure that he in fact was moving because a place had not been found. Can he serve a 30-Day Notice and not move? Can he do this every month? We are anticipating a vacant unit, but how can we rent it out if we don't know when the tenant is really moving?

A) Your tenant cannot serve a notice to vacate and then remain in possession. If the tenant does not vacate, you have the right to initiate an unlawful detainer action to evict him from the property.

Q & A with Propeties West

Q and A with Prop West

Q) What is the permissible rent increase that the City of Los Angeles will allow for July, 2009 (if the unit is under rent control)?

A) The rent increase for this period will be 4%. A landlord is allowed an additional 1% if electricity or natural gas is supplied.

(taken from AOA magazine; June 2009)

Q and A with Prop West

Q) I manage a commercial property in Eagle Rock. I'm getting several calls from people wanting to rent the space for "medical marijuana." May I legally refuse them both on the phone and on my recorded announcements?

A) A commercial landlord certainly has the right to limit what type of business will be occupying the premises. Under Federal law this business is illegal, though California does sanction this activity.