Eviction for Property Damage

[Cataya Dunn]

First of all, let me point out that I'm in escrow for a rental in Los Angeles with rent stabilization. When I first saw the house, I did not have plans to evict the tenants who were living in the rental unit, but that has changed during my due diligence/inspection.

First of all, the tenants are not the same tenants listed on the original lease, which has already expired.

Second, during the inspection, I found that the tenant, who calls himself a "contractor" had decided to work on the unit as if he is the owner. Examples - he built an unpermitted outdoor canopy for his tools that's connected to the main structure, reversed the laundry hookups to run outside rather than inside, converted an interior patio into a closet, and even worse put together a 'shanty' on the side of the house for someone who sleeps in the backyard (this was hidden under tarps and I discovered this - not my inspector).

I contend that I have plenty of support for an eviction, but I discussed this with someone from a local apartment owners association, and she said that I wouldn't have a right to evict. Is that true? I reviewed the LA Rent Stabilization handbook and damage is clearly listed as a reason for eviction. Has anyone else run into this situation?