Questions answered by Matthew Alan Rives

Archived

I received a 3 day to vacate notice on a month to month lease in which I have resided for 5 years for having a cat. Second warn.

Matthew's answer | Answered on January 03, 2014

It sounds like a tall order, but you may offer an increased deposit or pet rent or something in exchange for having the cat. You may ask to leave...

Archived

A fake paralegal trying to intimidate me so I drop small claim against landlord what can I do?

Matthew's answer | Answered on January 02, 2014

In California, you can be a paralegal without a formal certificate. A lot of the time landlords will have someone act on their behalf, including...

Archived

Multiple charges against our property manager?

Matthew's answer | Answered on January 01, 2014

No, you should not sue because in my opinion you have no case. Just get someone who does the job the way you want it done. The court is not a...

Archived

What steps do I take if my time has ran out to file a answer , also the land lord falsely says she served a 3 day notice ?

Matthew's answer | Answered on January 01, 2014

Even if you have run out of time (5 days) you should still try to get an answer filed. If you get it in before a default judgment is requested by...

Archived

Should the police have refused to address a landlord lockout? They claimed it was a civil issue.

Matthew's answer | Answered on January 01, 2014

When a landlord locks a tenant out in an attempt to terminate that individual's occupancy they could be liable for $100 per day in punitive...

Archived

Should I withhold rent if landlord is not repairing items that's Code Enforcements cited them for?

Matthew's answer | Answered on January 01, 2014

I agree with my colleague. You should avoid withholding rent unless you absolutely have no other option. You should consult with an attorney.

Archived

Return of Tenancy Deposit from nightmare landlord.

Matthew's answer | Answered on December 31, 2013

The clock starts running when you have "vacated the premises" according to California Civil Code 1950.5.

Archived

What is the statue of limitations to sue (in small claims court) landlord for private property damage?

Matthew's answer | Answered on December 19, 2013

California Code of Civil Procedure 338 says 3 years. Do it ASAP, though.

Archived

I been renting for 15 years the same apartment and now im getting evicted does the length of time matter in the eviction

Matthew's answer | Answered on December 19, 2013

You are entitled to a 60-day notice because of the length of your tenancy. However, the fact that you have been there 15 years will not affect...

Archived

Landlord did not return my half of the security deposit to me as instructed in my 30-Day Notice To Vacate letter. Can I sue him?

Matthew's answer | Answered on December 17, 2013

I agree with my colleague. The landlord does not have to parce out a deposit when there are multiple individuals on a lease. Your claim is against...

Matthew Alan Rives's Answers (71)

I received a 3 day to vacate notice on a month to month lease in which I have resided for 5 years for having a cat. Second warn.

A fake paralegal trying to intimidate me so I drop small claim against landlord what can I do?

Multiple charges against our property manager?

What steps do I take if my time has ran out to file a answer , also the land lord falsely says she served a 3 day notice ?

Should the police have refused to address a landlord lockout? They claimed it was a civil issue.

Should I withhold rent if landlord is not repairing items that's Code Enforcements cited them for?

Return of Tenancy Deposit from nightmare landlord.

What is the statue of limitations to sue (in small claims court) landlord for private property damage?

I been renting for 15 years the same apartment and now im getting evicted does the length of time matter in the eviction

Landlord did not return my half of the security deposit to me as instructed in my 30-Day Notice To Vacate letter. Can I sue him?