Legal Q&A:

Legal Q&A: What if prospective tenant is intoxicated?

November 12, 2018

Question: Can I refuse to show the premises to a prospective resident because he or she is obviously intoxicated?

Answer: Yes, if you are concerned about your safety or just wasting your time, you can refuse to show the premises to an intoxicated applicant. However, make sure the person is really intoxicated and not just under a physical or mental disability. In order to enter in a binding agreement, the parties must not be temporarily incapacitated by intoxication.

Question: Could you please tell me the law on roommates and the return of security deposits when only one vacates the unit?

This page contains members-only content!
Sign In To View or learn more about joining CAA

Recent Legal Q&A posts:

Tagged: Columns Compliance Legal Q&A

Join CAA

Joining CAA will help you comply with laws and regulations that you need to understand for the protection of your rental housing business.

Learn More

QUICK LINKS

Rental Assistance Program
CTRA - COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act
AB 1482 - State Rent Caps
COVID-19 - General Information
Newsroom
Contribute to the Rental Housing Survival Fund

Newest Posts

Bill would mandate lease-guarantor disclosure in five languages April 19, 2021
L.A. to hike inspection fees, but program reform possible April 19, 2021
CAA derails bills that would harm rental housing providers April 15, 2021

We could not have accomplished the defeat of Measure C without CAA. We have been CAA members for over 30 years and membership fees have been returned to us “100 fold” with protection of our rental owner rights and the defeat of rent control in Santa Rosa. We at Pine Creek and Goodwin Property Management thank CAA for always supporting us.
– Patty G. — Santa Rosa, CA

Dear Ms. Moss, I want to personally thank you for your timely and very professional response. You are very thorough AND you provide examples and attachments how to find solutions and how to address the issues effectively. What you did would have taken me hours of research and still I wouldn't feel as confident in my ability because I am not up to date on how certain areas of a contract are practiced.

I was wary about joining CAA but after today I know I did the right thing and plan on continuing my membership for a long time.

Many thanks
– Ravi K. — Folsom, CA

I just want to say Thank You Team at CAA. Being a Landlord in California is frightening enough -- but with you, not as scary! I just know someone on the team understands!
– Kristi B. — Lewiston, CA

I recently needed to take a few hours of classes to complete my Recertification as a CAA California Certified Residential Manager. I found it very convenient to do this through on demand classes at my office. The classes are well done and gave great education to further my property management skills. I even registered my maintenance team to listen to some of the classes. It benefitted us all. Thank you CAA!
– Beverly C. — Berkeley, CA

I recently needed to take a few hours of classes to complete my Recertification as a CAA California Certified Residential Manager. I found it very convenient to do this through on demand classes at my office. The classes are well done and gave great education to further my property management skills. I even registered my maintenance team to listen to some of the classes. It benefited us all.
– Beverly C. — Berkeley, CA

Kevin, I don't say this often, but from the second we began this relationship you have been nothing but a wealth of knowledge and a tremendous help. I cannot thank you enough for being so flexible with us. Thank you again!
– Jeff P. — Menlo Park, CA

We have been a CAA members since 1984. CAA has provided us the guidance needed to successfully manage our property. The rental forms keep us on solid legal ground which has minimized our management workload and helped us maintain quality housing for our clients. Your weekly e-news keeps us appraised of property management issues to be on the lookout for. Your work in the California State legislature in Sacramento has provided valuable representation for our industry. Keep up the excellent work!
– Forrest L. — Ridgecrest, CA

Andrea was very helpful and thorough. She provided different points and angles to my question for my consideration. In her questions she revealed that we need to revamp our internal paperwork and provided references from CAA's forms. I was very satisfied and felt confident in the decisions our company needs to make regarding the matter we sought with CAA. Thank you CAA. We appreciate your help.

Thank you. You guys conducted a great campaign with Measure C. We would have obviously lost without your management, coordination, and hard work. Sure glad you guys are here...
– Rich B. — San Rafael, CA

I would describe CAA as my "Best Friend" in this venture called LANDLORDING. So happy you are there!
– Marsha W. — Fresno, CA