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I've talked to both the city inspector and fair housing about my problem and both suggested that I talk to a lawyer. Two roommates are being evicted by the city because our landlord didn't notify that the roommate's rooms were never suppose to be rented out in the first place. On top of that, 3 more roommates will have to be evicted too since only three rooms are allowed to be rented out (those three didn't know either). The problem is that our landlord has kept quiet since the city inspector visited and has yet to discuss with us who will be evicted. In addition, we have an electrical wiring issue that I believe poses a safety risk to the tenants (according to the Tenant Laws of California). Lastly when one of the roommates tried to ask the city inspector what code violations were being broken, our landlord rushed up to the inspector and told her to hush up and we did not have a right to know. If she told the roommate, he would want a lawyer present.
State/Country relating to Question: California Already Tried: First site to try this.
What exactly do you want to know?
Whether or not we have any legal right to sue him (a)for not telling the two roommates that their rooms were not allowed to be rented out, (b)essentially have to force three more roommates to move out too because out of six rooms only 3 can be rented out because it's a residential home and (3) violating the CA consumer Affairs law regarding tenant/landlord obligation (for something like a electrical wiring that poses safety risk to the tenants and not fixing it by hiring a licensed and bonded electrician. The landlord has only put a scrap carpet over the metal grating. (4) Just not keeping us informed of anything. He's quiet on all these problems. All of us are in limbo and not knowing whether or not we can continue living here. I've had to call the city inspector, the city hall civil division, and fair housing just to find out what is going on with the code violations and him.
The landlord should not have leased premises that could not be occupied for residential purposes. You can sue for your damages including moving expenses and seek a rent credit refund for month occupied.
One last question. Could my landlord pretend he didn't know and could this affect the lawsuit?
ignorance is not a defense to the claim.
Attorney
Licensed attorney helping individuals and businesses
Thank you so much for your help. As a group of college students, this information you have given will help a lot as we seek to find either a pro bono lawyer or an affordable one.
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