Glendale landlord haressing me because I turned her into Code Inforement (Arcadia: apartment, lease)

[Ashleykitty]

Hi. This a complicated and distressing story. I could use any intelligent and helpful feed back--I am desperate. First, I moved into an apartment, in Glendale, in which my unit had been illegally subdivided by the owner/landlord. Consquently, I turned the owner/landlord into the City of Glendale's Code Inforement as a way to set boundries; hence, the owner/landlord thought that he/she could access the extra room by going through my unit. The City of Glendale Code Inforement deemed the subdivide illegal and demanded the owner return the unit back to its original state.The owner/landlord complied and restored the unit back to a one bedroom. However, the problem is that the City inspector for Code inforcement found other issues, during the reinspection, such as:low water pressure, weak stair rails and other issues. You get the drift--the owner/landlord is screwed. However, I just got a letter today threating to evict me for letting my cat outside as well as accusing me of harassing the neighbors both physically and verbally while confronting them about their noisy televisions. Needless to say, the cat issue is 100%correct. I do let my cat outside, as no where in the lease does it state that my cat shall remain indoors. However, the neigbor harrassment issue is an outrageous lie. In fact I have always resorted to calling the police, rather then confront the neigbors head on, in regarding to their blarring Armenian news channel. My question is, since I don't have the money to move, can I sue for breach of contract, libel and/or harassment? What are my options?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[bayarea-girl]

Don't think it is necessary to take the lady to court and try to sue her unless you want to move. But you might have a strong case against your landlord. If she is threatening to evict you it might look to the court that she is trying to retaliate against you since you turned her in and she has to make changes to her property she probably wasn't expecting to pay (she can be fined for retaliating against you). Also, since the unit is was deemed illegal the court might find in your favor where the landlord/owner must compensate you and a move since the place has problems. Contact your local renter's board they might be able to give you free legal advice and could possibly work on your behalf if they find there is legit case. Make sure if thing that is being communicated is in writing. Verbal threats won't hold up in court unless you have a witness. If you have called the police on your neighbors make sure you get some sort of report from the police department regarding the nuisance complaints. Finally, did she agree to let you have a cat when you first signed your lease? If so there is no problem.

Good luck!

[Ashleykitty]

Thanks! You are right. I could be compensated for her trying to retaliate.
I just needed a little reminder. Also, my cat is mentioned in the lease by her first name; however, lease doesn't say to keep her indoors. And, I do have records from the police visits and nothing about my being abusive or otherwise--because of course I was not.
I really appreciate your bright thoughts. It helped.

[serialdriller]

I would move out... the owner is retaliating...... eitherway sounds like he/she won't be renewing their lease with you....

I know the owner violated rules..... but by reporting them u stirred things up......... and its lead to alot more complications than there were before...

good luck hope everything works out.

[Steve Bagu]

Sorry...have no sympathy for you.
Rented a room in a private residence that was not up to city code...problems the owner was content to live with...had a small pet to cause some complaints...complained about neighbors music (as a tenent should have kept your mouth shut or move)...complained to police and to top things off you think you are in a palace that entitles you to make numerous complaints.
Your NOT the owner...I am familiar with Glendale and the Armenian people are no different then the Spanish who also like loud music.
Only the owner of the residence has the right to complain to any authorities...not you.
You made your bed so sleep in it. Lack of money is your problem and you will most likely have to move real soon if not yesterday.

[Ashleykitty]

Hey, Steve, no offense but you sound like exactly the kind of tenant a landlord likes to prey on. Unless of course, you are a shady landlord. In either case, please pick up a book or watch the news.

[Steve Bagu]

Thanx for the compliment. Have been around the block a few times...chances are the same time as your grandfather. Lived in Arcadia...went to PCC...graduated in '54' and Glendale never had the Armanians like they have today. You should be renting an Apt and not a converted ? room in a residence. Money may be a problem that only you can remedy. Grow up and look for decent place to live in and as I said "the way you make your bed is the way you sleep in it".
Paying rent only gives a person Limited rights...you exceeded yours and now will suffer the consequences. As for me, I bought a Brand New home in "1955" in Covina. Steve

[VLWH]

Originally Posted by Steve Bagu

Sorry...have no sympathy for you.
Rented a room in a private residence that was not up to city code...problems the owner was content to live with...had a small pet to cause some complaints...

The OP said she moved into an apartment, not a room in a private residential home.

Originally Posted by Steve Bagu

complained about neighbors music (as a tenent should have kept your mouth shut or move)...complained to police and to top things off you think you are in a palace that entitles you to make numerous complaints.

Your NOT the owner...I am familiar with Glendale and the Armenian people are no different then the Spanish who also like loud music.

Only the owner of the residence has the right to complain to any authorities...not you.

I swear, are you making up this stuff as you type? Who said a tenant can't complain when someone violates the law, be it structures not built to code, or inconsiderate neighbors playing loud music.

[Steve Bagu]

Check again...the owner returned the house into a ONE bedroom structure as per city code. This means it was/is a single residence...not a multiple residence or duplex or garage converted into living quarters which is against code.
I have a Architectual degree and have drawn house plans so do know the difference.
Bottom line...any complaints should have under the circumstance been made to the landlord person who would have the right to speak with the neighbors.
If you live in an apt bldg and have a problem with another tenent...you speak with the bldg mgr or bldg owner. That would be the proper thing to do considering the living quarters. Steve

[Ashleykitty]

Its like the last post cited. I moved into a building that had six one bedroom unit dwellings. However, prior to my moving in, the owner converted my unit into a single unit dwelling. Consquently, she did this without permits from the city. The bottom line is it is illegal to subdivide a unit. She is now paying the price for her bad choices. I had no knowlege that it was an illegal subdivide and trusted her to act in good faith when I signed a contract--commonly known as a lease. I know PCC isn't Harvard but really Steve. You are an idiot.