Basically, I'm renting a house right now (4 people total). We moved in 6 months ago. We still have 12 months left on the lease, but the owner asked us to leave this January. (I should say, the owner wants to move back in. We've been good tenants.)

If we accept, it would be a favor to the owner. We've always paid rent on time and met their requirements (keeping the place clean etc.)

I think it's fair to ask for some monetary compensation:
a. Finding a new place takes time.
b. Moving is a hassle and costs money.
c. Unless scheduled perfectly, there'll be some double rent periods.
d. The holidays makes all of the above worse.

So, what's a fair amount to ask for? 1 months rent? 2 months rent?
Other comments?

CN: Landlord asks tenants to move out before lease ends. Tenants do not want to move out. What compensation should tenants receive?

 

i say start talking to a lawyer...

 

Does you lease you signed say anything about "Lease Termination Clause" as far as if owner wants to move back in he can?...Read the lease, if there is a clause, your gonna have to move..Sorry!...

If not Ask for a 3-month Compensation on the amount, these days trying to find a New home to rent is hard. Goodluck!

 

ldivinag,
I hope it doesn't come down to that. I'm still working out the details with the owner's agent/realtor, the owner is out of the country actually.

hYpE-R-29,
Let me re-read the lease, but I don't remember anything about a "Lease Termination Clause". I like the 3-months compensation though

 

I say you rent my mom's 4 bedroom townhouse!!!!! Our renter moves out in december!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/apa/919940655.html

 

^^^^
I wish! $2250 finds you a 30 year old, 1000 sq. ft house in the South Bay.

 

Well, the biggest issue here is that the landlord is breaching a signed contract. But I agree with the other statements; read the fine print in your lease, look up any California code that might pertain to this issue [for any benefits required to be provided] and discuss this with the owner and real estate agents.

Some other things to consider...if you budgeted your current rent payments until the lease end and all of the sudden might have to find something more expensive on short notice or pay someone to find a place for you; it is something to take under consideration. Also, I do not think you should pay any moving expenses either. Lastly, make sure this does not come back to haunt you on your next rentals where they might discover contract termination [regardless of who did it unfortunately] in previous residencies during a background check.

Like I said...favor or not...at the end of the day he is breaching a contract. Just my $.02.

 

go talk to a lawyer. now. right now.

 

Lawyer time...

Also if you lose..... and they dont pay you anything and your going to get screwed over.
I'd hang out till the sherriff comes to kick you out. That can drag out for months.

Go watch that Pacific Heights movie, Then report back... lol

 

Thanks everyone. Now the next question, where can I find sound legal advice (lawyer) for a reasonable price? I'm not calling those ads on tv...

I've never needed a lawyer, but it would be good to have one ready.

 

First, go to http://california.lp.findlaw.com/ and research for all available state legal code regarding rental laws.

Their main site, www.findlaw.com, can point you in the director of qualified lawyer. It is the best all inclusive site that I have seen so far. As always, look for a lawyer that has practiced in your area of concern, has good standing with BAR and has had no junctions or penalties files against him by any courts or organizations.

I will also ask lawyers around my firm to see who they can recommend.

 

Oh yeah...I am not sure about Cali, but I know in other states I have encountered opportunities where lawyers donated their time to advise people who could not afford a lawyer or total n00bs to the legal scene. In most cases, a good lawyer is not going to give you a free in-depth consultation to assess your issue [that's what they actually get paid for] like you see on TV.

I also heard of organizations that specifically deal with renter's rights in San Francisco because it is a very pro-renter oriented city. Try Google-ing those first as well. Fortunately for you, it is very difficult and lengthy process to get renters out.

Obviously, before you even start calling get all of your facts and details straight and in one concise package. As was said before, find out as much information on your end as possible before talking to a lawyer so you can have an educated conversation with him ans not be lost (ex. read fine print). You do not want to pay one just to explain what you could have looked up yourself before hand.

Do not forget to ask about the lawyers billing structure when you talk with them; some bill per 1/10th of hour (6 min increments), some per 1/2 hour, and REALLY high end excellent firms do per hour (even for 5 min phone call).

 

A nonprofit called Project Sentinel can help you: (1) mediate the situation between you and your landlord, (2) counsel you on your options as a tenant, or (3) refer you to resources you need.

They do all this for free. Find them here: http://www.housing.org/

Good luck!

 

Ooohhh good one, that is the type of orgs I was referring to. I am going to take note of this one myself. Thanks!

 

Great info, I'll look into all these sites!