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DeeBM6

Junior Member
I am California. There is the Landlord(Brother), Master Tenant(Sister who resides in house) and subtenant
(2 adults, 1 minor). Due to lack of work, we are behind in rent. Any money we have given to her, never got to the Landlord, her brother. The master tenant now wants us out, but goes about it all wrong. We have not been served any kind of notice. She interfered with our quiet enjoyment by harrassing, threatening and doing odd things, like removing toilet seat, changing front door locks, to 2 deadbolts so now there isn't a doorhandle to open or close. Padlocks both gates, padlocks inside garage door, padlock the dryer box so we cannot use. She has shut the pg&e box off located in backyard padlocks it as well. She gone as far as to terrorists threaten my 14 year old. Also the window do not lock and there are no cranks to open and close windows. She has harmed me by injury (throwing a vase). I have had authorities out 3 times, and they have done nothing. Can I do something, file a complaint? I need advice, please!!
 


Justifer

Junior Member
Why did you pay her the rent? I, myself, would have paid the LL. If you are behind in rent, it's not their fault you do not have a job.
Also, do you expect to stay there FREE?? In a way, she is telling you to GET out. It might not be the right way, but she is telling you.
 

sandyclaus

Senior Member
I am California. There is the Landlord(Brother), Master Tenant(Sister who resides in house) and subtenant
(2 adults, 1 minor). Due to lack of work, we are behind in rent. Any money we have given to her, never got to the Landlord, her brother. The master tenant now wants us out, but goes about it all wrong. We have not been served any kind of notice. She interfered with our quiet enjoyment by harrassing, threatening and doing odd things, like removing toilet seat, changing front door locks, to 2 deadbolts so now there isn't a doorhandle to open or close. Padlocks both gates, padlocks inside garage door, padlock the dryer box so we cannot use. She has shut the pg&e box off located in backyard padlocks it as well. She gone as far as to terrorists threaten my 14 year old. Also the window do not lock and there are no cranks to open and close windows. She has harmed me by injury (throwing a vase). I have had authorities out 3 times, and they have done nothing. Can I do something, file a complaint? I need advice, please!!
Which "authorities" have you had out there?

If the PG&E box has been shut off, then I would suspect that the power is off on the property. That would be a health code violation.

Having no actual door handles may not necessarily be a safety violation, but if you are not being provided with keys to both deadbolts, then that would be considered an illegal lockout (as it bars your access to the rented premises).

Take photos of all of the things you have mentioned, and try filing a restraining order against the Master LL. It doesn't have to include a stay away order, but it SHOULD provide you with a bit more leverage as far as the methods they are using to harass you. It also provides documentation if you should decide to file a case against your LL for constructive eviction, which they appear to be trying to commit here. Very important - KEEP all of your documentation somewhere AWAY from the rented premises for your protection.

As for not paying your rent, the LL MUST use legal methods to evict you for nonpayment. They CANNOT lock you out, turn off utilities, block your access to the rented premises, or do anything to force you to leave. You may wish to contact Legal Aid to seek their assistance as you may very well need it. It won't prevent a valid eviction against you for not paying your rent, but it should stop them from using self-help methods to evict you on their own.
 

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