I don't know your states laws, but in some states it is unlawful to practice real estate in most capacities, without a real estate license.

If not, then I hope that your Contract is not too punishing if you end up not being able to close the deal, and you renegue.

These wood shake roofs are now unlawful in the Peoples Republic of Kalifornia to install, BUT, will a lender lend on a home with an existing wood shake roof that is in servicable condition in a lower risk area, to wit, a residential area in a city (Fresno)?

@James WiseI don't agree with the idea of running a business  in a way that punishes people who apply for what I am offering.

(Below is a list of phone numbers forMembers of the Assembly representing the Southland)http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Why we are OPPOSED to AB 2819 and request a NO VOTE:Under California's unlawful detainer (UD) "masking" law," UD court filings are hidden from public view for 60 days following the initial court filing, and then are unmasked.

In the end they traced it to this other person that didn't even live there.. but it was a nightmare..No good deed goes with out punishment. 

You can always call the court clerk and find out what it will cost to file a unlawful detainer and judgment.I'm not an attorney, not giving legal advice, entertainment value only.

@Chris Ahlemann If you can document the condition of the unit, your contacts with the landlord and their unlawful early entrance of the apartment then I would pursue filing a small claim.

The logic being that if you worked with the lender on a short sale rather than trying to strategically default or otherwise be sneaky or irresponsible, that should not be punished the way a foreclosure or missed payments would/should be punished. 

You want to be in control if there's future issues and to avoid a costly Unlawful Detainer action - - you can give a 30-quit and be done with it.I favor a full CR and look at the 30,60,90 lates and the collections - - want ZERO within the last 6 months.