All Forum Posts by: Stephen Homes

I have a rental in NJ, and there is debate on what the actual sqft of the living space is. 

Where can I find the exact definitions of the living space area? 

I have a complete walk-in basement with closets, half a bathroom in the basement, and heat, but the rooms and sqft of it is not counted in the tax accessor papers (not even the half a bathroom).

Thank you

 Jay, I don't know what is in it. Have not attempted to open it. If it is full of diamonds, but not legally mine, I have no interest in opening it.

If by any chance you have some info on the ownership laws in CA, do share. Thank you

Thank you Chris

I purchased a foreclosure house and I am residing in it now. Now I found a vault. Do I own the vault now? The house is in California.

Thank you

Thank you Michael and John. On early termination what is written is pretty general.

"In the event of termination by Tenant prior to completion of the original term of the Agreement, Tenant shall also be responsible for lost Rent, rental commissions, advertising expenses and painting costs necessary to ready premises for re-rental. Landlord may withhold any such amounts from Tenant's security deposit"

Although I have rental properties, I am a tenant in CA. I have a 1 year lease that started in August. There is no statement in it about breaking the lease in the middle of the 1 year.

The landlord is using a local management company.

I bought a house in the Bay and in the sale clause it states that I need to leave in the house (that i bought) no later than 30 days after the deed is recorded.

I can't afford to pay mortgage and pay rent at the same time. I am also not allowed to rent out the house I purchased.

How can I get out of the lease? Can I give a 30 day notice?

I appreciate your input and questions.

Interestingly the PM has not provided any proof that notices were sent nor posted. They have outsourced the mail and giving notices to a 3rd party company.

"So, what proactive steps did you take and document to protect yourself?"

What proactive steps do you advise me to take? Thank you

Thanks Greg. I did ask them about the tracking number and they never responded to that question. Just insisting that I should pay the increase.

I had a lease that just ended and the new management never gave me any lease so far

I know this posting is for landlords and I am a landlord but now I am a tenant (a bit over 2 years) at California. Today (April 1) I learned that my rent was increased. Property Management claims that they have stuck a notice to my door 27 days ago plus mailed me the notice. I never got either notice. 

1. As a landlord I always send a certified mail to let the tenant know about any change (such as rent raise) to their lease. Does the same rule apply in California?

2. After 2 years the owner changed the property manager was changed to this one. Always my lease being renewed every 6 months. Prior to the 2 year the old manager verbally agreed to renewing for another 6 months but when the renewal day came he said the new management will give you the new lease. Now the new management claims that my lease is month to month. How can I defend myself in this situation?

Thank you

Thank you Patricia for your detailed response. 

1. What do you mean by "I recommend letting the current tenants do themselves in and evict them."? Do you mean wait till the tenant can't pay full rent and if she doesn't I start the eviction process? As of now she paid half the rent and told me that she will pay the remainder on the 9th.

2. Is it acceptable to send the notices as text/email to the tenants (as I don't have the address of the ones who left)?

3. Governor Murphy's executive order on security deposit is not good for the landlord. This will encourage the tenants to instruct the landlord to use the security deposit as last month rent, leaving the rental prone to damage.

Thank you