QUESTION
What are my rights as a tenant on a verbal rental agreement?
Asked on Mar 09th, 2017 on Landlord and Tenant Law - California
More details to this question:
I entered into a verbal lease agreement on a single-family home as the homeowner lived and worked in another state. This was mutually beneficial. I have been adamant about getting a lease in writing only to be put off. Soon his circumstances changed, he lost his job, went to jail, and then returned to another state. He has been basically squatting in the basement of the home and has since started remodeling but hasn't finished anything so now the house is in disrepair.
3 ANSWERS
Criminal and General Civil Litigation Attorney serving Warsaw, IN
Partner at
Rockhill Pinnick LLP
3 Awards
My understanding is that you are the tenant, and the homeowner is letting the house deteriorate. Your "rights" is to stop paying rent and leave.
Answered on Jun 01st, 2017 at 6:39 AM
A verbal lease is valid but if you disagree on terms then it becomes a "he said she said" situation. If you can't get the lease in writing I suggest you give 30 days notice and vacate.
Answered on May 30th, 2017 at 9:26 AM
It does not matter if the lease is oral or in writing. If you have leased the entire house, the owner has no right to be in it.
Answered on May 30th, 2017 at 9:25 AM