Questions answered by James Coy Driscoll

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My landlord is trying to switch my 1 year lease to a month-month due to selling the house

James's answer | Answered on June 10, 2013

Your landlord cannot unilaterally change the terms of your lease during the lease; you have the right to stay to the end of the lease. If there is...

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Other than "The Answer," what should I file to respond to An Unlawful Detainer? Does this even apply to my case (lived w/owner)?

James's answer | Answered on June 09, 2013

There are several alternatives to filing an answer, including a motion to quash, a demurrer, and a motion to strike. To effectively defend against...

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I have lived in a house for over six years, the landlord does not fix things

James's answer | Answered on June 08, 2013

You need to hire a tenants attorney immediately. Unlawful detainer trials are NOT like Judge Judy. The rules of evidence apply. You need immediate...

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WHAT DETAILS SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR IN A RENT TO OWN HOME CONTRACT FROM THE OWNER TO ME?????JUST TO WACH MY BACK...

James's answer | Answered on June 05, 2013

I agree with Mr. Spiritos. You will be investing tens of thousands of dollars in his deal (or more). Spend a few hundred dollars to get competent...

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My apartment is labeled as a studio, But it is the master bedroom of a three bedroom. Is this Legal?

James's answer | Answered on June 05, 2013

I am a tenants lawyer. While my colleagues comments above are rather sympathetic to the landlord, they fail to mention two things: One, an...

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I never received the letter with the jury trial date. Yesterday, I received the paperwork showing a judgment.

James's answer | Answered on June 01, 2013

I am a San Francisco tenants' attorney. Let me be blunt: hire a tenants' lawyer immediately or start packing. You need experienced professional...

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I am renting a townhouse; owner is selling the property. I'm anxious to move out early.

James's answer | Answered on June 01, 2013

I agree with my colleague above entry only during normal business hours (that usually does NOT include Saturdays), I also agree that entry every...

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I am renting a bed in a shared room month to month but its a sober living home. I have to do several recovery meetings each week

James's answer | Answered on May 31, 2013

Interesting question. I did some research and I did not find any exception from tenant's rights for people living in sober living environments...

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Who can i contact in the east bay regarding tenants rights

James's answer | Answered on May 30, 2013

Your question broke off in mid-sentence. Please re-post.

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My landlord has an injunction prohibiting city officials from coming to the property. Is this reason to void my lease?

James's answer | Answered on May 24, 2013

I agree with my colleague's comments above about talking with a lawyer directly. You may find in more rural areas that it is difficult to find a...

James Coy Driscoll's Answers (1529)

My landlord is trying to switch my 1 year lease to a month-month due to selling the house

Other than "The Answer," what should I file to respond to An Unlawful Detainer? Does this even apply to my case (lived w/owner)?

I have lived in a house for over six years, the landlord does not fix things

WHAT DETAILS SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR IN A RENT TO OWN HOME CONTRACT FROM THE OWNER TO ME?????JUST TO WACH MY BACK...

My apartment is labeled as a studio, But it is the master bedroom of a three bedroom. Is this Legal?

I never received the letter with the jury trial date. Yesterday, I received the paperwork showing a judgment.

I am renting a townhouse; owner is selling the property. I'm anxious to move out early.

I am renting a bed in a shared room month to month but its a sober living home. I have to do several recovery meetings each week

Who can i contact in the east bay regarding tenants rights

My landlord has an injunction prohibiting city officials from coming to the property. Is this reason to void my lease?