Legal Q&A: Tenant's guest caused damage

Legal Q&A: Tenant’s guest caused damage

September 21, 2016

Question: One of our tenant’s guests broke a window of the recreation room by throwing a ball through it. The host tenant claims he should not be responsible because the damage occurred outside the apartment and while they were playing catch in the common area. My tenant also refuses to give me the name or any information about his guest who caused the damage. What can I do?

Answer: In California, tenants are liable for the negligence of their guests while on the premises. The premises not only includes the actual rented unit, but the common area as well. Therefore the tenant and the tenant’s guest are jointly liable for the damage to the window.

Question: Someone told me that if a resident is committing a crime on the premises they can be evicted in three days. I have never heard of this law, and I rent to someone I suspect is dealing in drugs. Can you tell me more about it?

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