Start of the Tenancy

   Rental Agreement Terms

Discrimination
       California as well as Federal law prohibits discrimination in a wide variety of contexts. If you feel you have been discriminated against by your landlord, do not hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Office of Harold D. Thompson.

Rental Amount
       In certain areas, landlords have restrictions in them for the amount of rent they may charge you.

Security Deposit
       The amount of the deposit that a landlord can require you to pay, regardless of rent control, is limited. If you fell you have been charged an excessive deposit call us today.

Delivery of Premises
       The landlord must deliver possession of the rental unit to you at the beginning of the tenancy or they may be in breach of the rental agreement.

During the Tenancy

Condition of the Unit
       Every residential unit in California must meet certain minimum guidelines for habitability. This is one of the most common areas of grievance for a tenant.

Increases in Rent
       Once again, landlords are limited in rent control jurisdiction on the frequency and amount of rent increases.

Discrimination
       While generally occurring before the tenancy, tenants may experience discrimination based on particular personal characteristics when it comes to increased rents and/or the availability of services.

Subleases
       The tenant should be careful if he or she elects to sublease the unit. Many, if not most, residential leases have some restricts on this activity.

What You Do On Your Property
       The lease may prohibit certain uses of the property. On the other hand, a landlord may not prevent each and every use he sees fit.

Landlord Liability
       A landlord may be liable for compensation to the tenant and others injured by defects in the premises or possibly the wrongful conduct of a 3rd party.

After the Tenancy

How The Tenant Was Evicted
       There is a specific manner in which a landlord must evict a tenant. In California, "self-help", or forcible eviction, is prohibited.

Grounds For Eviction
       The proper method for eviction is through an unlawful detainer. An unlawful detainer comes with a while host of issues. Please call our office of a free evaluation.

Response to Eviction
       A tenant may be able to mitigate or even negate the effects of the unlawful detainer with certain affirmative procedures of their own.

Bankruptcy By The Tenant
       Some tenants who are late in payment of rent consider bankruptcy as a viable option. Please see our practice area page on Bankruptcy.