What are my rights if I live in my apartment building for 9 years, I recently lost my job and been having money issues?

Unfortunately, the mere fact that you have lived in the same apartment building for 9 years is not what?s important. The real issue is whether you have a lease or a month to month agreement. If you have a lease, then you are responsible for the rent to the end of the lease term. If you can?t pay your rent, the landlord may evict you and seek a judgment for all of the rent that you would owe to the end of the term. This amount might be less if the landlord finds another tenant to replace you and he/she does have an obligation to try to get a replacement tenant. If you are on a month to month rental agreement, then if you fail to pay the rent when due, then the landlord can start eviction proceedings against you. You would still be responsible for all the rent due while you occupy the premises. If you choose to move out, and you are on a month to month agreement, then you must give at least 30 days notice to the landlord and you will be responsible for the rent through the end of the notice period (or until you move out, whichever is later). You really should make every effort to pay your rent, even ahead of other bills, because if you are evicted, you will have trouble renting another place, since an eviction is a public record that is easily checked by a new prospective landlord. I strongly advise that you meet with an experience attorney for a more detailed discussion. You can also find detailed information about the eviction process at http://www.courts.ca.gov/27798.htm.

You have no right to stay without paying.