In Oakland, California, is it legal for her to live in rental without paying for utilities? Can I evict her or can she stay?

She may be violating a health and safety code or local municipal code that require either gas, water, or electricity to stay on. Often, a tenant...

Can I charge them for all the wear and tear or is this normal wear and tear?

When the tenant's move out, you may deduct damage above normal wear and tear. Hearing the dog's nails is probably not enough evidence. It is...

Can I just throw the cardboard box away and clean that up with house hold cleaners or do I have to hire a mildew/mold specialst

I agree with Mr. Moss. After removing and trashing the box, if you want to be extra cautious, it would be prudent to hire a mildew/mold specialist...

Can a tenant at sufferance be guilty of a forcible detainer?

Is the property subject to rent control or is the tenant receiving any subsidies? If so, there may be some restrictions on your right to terminate...

Does serving a prejudgment claim of possession extend the right to respond to all defendants?

I agree with Mr. Easlick and Mr. Omar. The additional five days is only extended to all unnamed occupants and you may default the named defendant...

How do i get renter out of my house. They're 3 months behind on rent.

If this is a single-family home, you can serve a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit to demand rent. You can then file an unlawful detainer as early...

What is the rent amount I should have asked for in unlawful detainer?

You could have a problem. If you failed to give proper notice of a rent increase, the notice with the new rent amount is defective. If the tenant...

If you lease permits you to charge late fees and they are classified as additional rent, you can take them out of the security deposit. If not,...

What do we do next?

You should look into obtaining a restraining order against the landlord's son if he constantly harasses you and your family. A restraining can be...

If you can confirm that the wood strips belong to the tenant, one option is serving a Notice to Perform Covenant or Quit on the tenant. If you...