What is the name of your state?: California
In April, my wife and I moved into a room in a house, taking over a spot for a student who was going to study abroad (which at the time we didn't know). By the end of the second month some tensions had arisen between us and a couple of the other roommates, and because I didn't feel like I had a leg to stand on, I sent an email to the landlord asking for a copy of the lease so I could see exactly what I'd agreed to and whether there was a clause about guests or noise (or really anything I could use to stand up for myself). He replied that "This is a complete violation of our lease agreement. You would have no rights there, as your not authorized to stay at [address]. I will have to speak to the approved tenants of [address]." He then asked if they'd taken any money from me, if I paid a deposit, and which of the tenants had left. I answered his questions; yes, yes (with the amount), and the name of the student. He responded "That would make a total of 6 people living there, correct? This was completely against the terms of our lease. I'm not sure why they think this is acceptable or where they came up with these random numbers for deposit. This is very upsetting to say the least."
I was never provided with a copy, but since I'm not an approved tenant, I guess it doesn't matter. I haven't heard anything from him since, but my roommates have become more passive-aggressive lately, so I assume a conversation was had. I'm planning to move mid-July, but what are my obligations to the space? Am I required to notify them in advance, or can I just leave? Do they even have the legal right to collect rent from me? Is my security deposit gone in a puff of smoke because it wasn't an authorized deposit to begin with? The landlord seems to have decided that the other roommates will tell me what they discussed, but that doesn't seem likely; should I contact the landlord again?
I'm so confused.
In April, my wife and I moved into a room in a house, taking over a spot for a student who was going to study abroad (which at the time we didn't know). By the end of the second month some tensions had arisen between us and a couple of the other roommates, and because I didn't feel like I had a leg to stand on, I sent an email to the landlord asking for a copy of the lease so I could see exactly what I'd agreed to and whether there was a clause about guests or noise (or really anything I could use to stand up for myself). He replied that "This is a complete violation of our lease agreement. You would have no rights there, as your not authorized to stay at [address]. I will have to speak to the approved tenants of [address]." He then asked if they'd taken any money from me, if I paid a deposit, and which of the tenants had left. I answered his questions; yes, yes (with the amount), and the name of the student. He responded "That would make a total of 6 people living there, correct? This was completely against the terms of our lease. I'm not sure why they think this is acceptable or where they came up with these random numbers for deposit. This is very upsetting to say the least."
I was never provided with a copy, but since I'm not an approved tenant, I guess it doesn't matter. I haven't heard anything from him since, but my roommates have become more passive-aggressive lately, so I assume a conversation was had. I'm planning to move mid-July, but what are my obligations to the space? Am I required to notify them in advance, or can I just leave? Do they even have the legal right to collect rent from me? Is my security deposit gone in a puff of smoke because it wasn't an authorized deposit to begin with? The landlord seems to have decided that the other roommates will tell me what they discussed, but that doesn't seem likely; should I contact the landlord again?
I'm so confused.