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Pandaman
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I know some landlords that are scummy, my apt is in REAP now because of it. In the last two years I have investigated the laws and the rights of tenants and I think renters have more legal rights than what others may think. Not saying anyone is wrong, I just think that a minor investigation on your part may at least give you a little piece of mind.
I'm in Los Angeles <-- Nuff said... (almost)
If an owner/landlord enters your property without proof that there was an emergency, you can legally have that person arrested and charged for breaking n' entering, trespassing and a few other big crimes... Most are felonies.
While the Owner does "Own" the property, he cannot do with it as he/she pleases. He still must obey the law, and the law is in your favor. To those in L.A., I highly recommend you get the "Renters Handbook". You can get one for free at your local LAHD (Los Angeles Housing Department). I may be able to upload a digital version, but it's always good to have documented proof of your rights on hand.
Example: 1.5 years went by and my scumlord (landlord) said that he was raising my rent by about 12%. I told him straight away that if he wanted me to pay more rent, he would have to send me a signed document by mail stating exactly what his intentions were. I followed that up with saying something like "... I just like to have everything documented in case I need it, like for taxes and stuff. (some BS that sounds legit)"
He mailed the letter and it stated what he told me and he signed it. Looking at my (up-to-date) Renters Handbook, it stated clearly that for this year, a landlord could not raise the rent more than 4% unless he was making upgrades that benefited the renter.
I made a photocopy of the exact page and sent it by certified mail ($5). Long story short (sorry), the landlord hadn't told LAHD about his tenants moving in or out over several years and LAHD sent a letter to him explaining that if he did not register his apartment to meet current regulations, they would force him to accept the last known (LAHD's records) rent that WAS registered AND he would not be able to legally raise the rent for whatever reason for two years.
LAHD goes to bat for it's renters and they can play devastating Hard Ball. In my case, LAHD reported my landlord to REAP and the LA Assistant District Attorney. REAP then froze the apartment to protect the tenants from further harassment.
If you are legal (cert) and are not breaking the limits (regardless if the limits have been repealed) then in the eyes of the "City's Police Officers", you have not committed a crime.
Feds and DEA... <-- No idea.
Sorry for the long post. Hope this helps a little just in this one aspect.
Oh! I wanted to add one more thing; It is discriminatory for anyone to ask personal questions about your health with the intent to judge you, based on your answer. We're not talking about Access Ramps for your wheelchair here...
So, if the person (whomever) starts asking you illegal questions... Lie. Simple as that. What are they going to do AFTER you move in and realize you lied? Evict you? I don't think so. 3 day and even 30 day evictions are illegal in LA. Lying to someones face (non-law enforcement) is not illegal.
Think about it... If it's ok for a landlord to ask about your medical history, then he could also ask you if you a problem with your prostate or perhaps an erectile dysfunction. PATIENT/DOCTOR CONFIDENTIALITY. Who the hell does a landlord think they are demanding something that you have protected by law?
ALL LANDLORDS/OWNERS MUST GET PERMISSION FROM THE COURT TO EVICT YOU. (In Los Angeles and if you fall into the jurisdiction of the LAHD - Check for to make sure)
Again, sorry for the long post.
Peace
I'm in Los Angeles <-- Nuff said... (almost)
If an owner/landlord enters your property without proof that there was an emergency, you can legally have that person arrested and charged for breaking n' entering, trespassing and a few other big crimes... Most are felonies.
While the Owner does "Own" the property, he cannot do with it as he/she pleases. He still must obey the law, and the law is in your favor. To those in L.A., I highly recommend you get the "Renters Handbook". You can get one for free at your local LAHD (Los Angeles Housing Department). I may be able to upload a digital version, but it's always good to have documented proof of your rights on hand.
Example: 1.5 years went by and my scumlord (landlord) said that he was raising my rent by about 12%. I told him straight away that if he wanted me to pay more rent, he would have to send me a signed document by mail stating exactly what his intentions were. I followed that up with saying something like "... I just like to have everything documented in case I need it, like for taxes and stuff. (some BS that sounds legit)"
He mailed the letter and it stated what he told me and he signed it. Looking at my (up-to-date) Renters Handbook, it stated clearly that for this year, a landlord could not raise the rent more than 4% unless he was making upgrades that benefited the renter.
I made a photocopy of the exact page and sent it by certified mail ($5). Long story short (sorry), the landlord hadn't told LAHD about his tenants moving in or out over several years and LAHD sent a letter to him explaining that if he did not register his apartment to meet current regulations, they would force him to accept the last known (LAHD's records) rent that WAS registered AND he would not be able to legally raise the rent for whatever reason for two years.
LAHD goes to bat for it's renters and they can play devastating Hard Ball. In my case, LAHD reported my landlord to REAP and the LA Assistant District Attorney. REAP then froze the apartment to protect the tenants from further harassment.
If you are legal (cert) and are not breaking the limits (regardless if the limits have been repealed) then in the eyes of the "City's Police Officers", you have not committed a crime.
Feds and DEA... <-- No idea.
Sorry for the long post. Hope this helps a little just in this one aspect.
Oh! I wanted to add one more thing; It is discriminatory for anyone to ask personal questions about your health with the intent to judge you, based on your answer. We're not talking about Access Ramps for your wheelchair here...
So, if the person (whomever) starts asking you illegal questions... Lie. Simple as that. What are they going to do AFTER you move in and realize you lied? Evict you? I don't think so. 3 day and even 30 day evictions are illegal in LA. Lying to someones face (non-law enforcement) is not illegal.
Think about it... If it's ok for a landlord to ask about your medical history, then he could also ask you if you a problem with your prostate or perhaps an erectile dysfunction. PATIENT/DOCTOR CONFIDENTIALITY. Who the hell does a landlord think they are demanding something that you have protected by law?
ALL LANDLORDS/OWNERS MUST GET PERMISSION FROM THE COURT TO EVICT YOU. (In Los Angeles and if you fall into the jurisdiction of the LAHD - Check for to make sure)
Again, sorry for the long post.
Peace