Are we responsible for the increase in water bill, and a mold inspection?

I'm sorry to hear that you and your family are experiencing these problems. Have you complained to any of the relevant city or county code...

In California how long does a person have to be gone from their legal residence for them to be considered not a tenet any longer

If your brother has no ownership interest in the home, and is not a tenant (e.g. has not paid rent - including providing some kind of services in...

Can we legal leave without being charged a penalty?

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. Have you complained to any of the relevant city/county code enforcement agencies? A citation would...

Because the primary issue in an unlawful detainer is recovery of possession, California statutes and case law limit the issues and claims that can...

Although rare, when "relief from forfeiture" is granted, does that automatically reinstate tenancy if I can pay all rent owed?

Both a relief from forfeiture and a stay of execution are discretionary, and it sounds like the pro tem (to whom I assume you stipulated) is...

Can I deduct for painting from the security deposit?

As my colleagues note, it generally depends on whether the marks, etc. went beyond ordinary wear and tear, and what condition the place was in when...

Can I get out of my roommate agreement?

I agree with my colleagues. Under Civil Code Section 1942, if there are "dilapidations rendering the premises untenantable," and the landlord...

How can we take control back of the house since they probably "cooked up" the lease and just try to mess up with me in bad faith

Under California law, a co-owner generally does not have the right to rent anyone EXCLUSIVE use of the property unless the other owners agree. So,...

As my colleagues noted, most police departments seem reluctant to enforce the lodger statute, and force a lodger to leave. If your friend...

Is the above legal? We would like to avoid court but don't want to be taken advantage of.

It is hard to give detailed advice without reviewing the lease documents, and getting a few more facts. For example, many downstairs units are...