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I work from home as a computer programmer. I like to be outside, so work at a desk in a Costco-style carport tent in my backyard. Across the street, my neighbor has a similar carport in the same place so this is not an issue. Somebody told my landlord that someone is living in a tent in my yard so she came by to see for herself today, with my permission and blessing.
She was pretty put off by the fact that I am working out here: "this yard isn't really intended to be used as an office." Finally it came down to the extension cord that comes out here being a hazard in her opinion, especially once it begins to rain.
She's told me that she will be sending me an addendum to my agreement that specifies that I will need to vacate my outside office by November first and throughout the "rainy season."
Is this something that they can dictate or enforce?
I wouldn't think so since changes to the agreement have to be signed off on by both parties. Could she find something to use an excuse in the current agreement? Maybe/Probably.
I like to work outside a fair amount as well. Personally, I'd see if you can get her to accept you taking the cord inside when it's rainy/at night (assuming this is an option for you). Or maybe you can get an all-seasons extension cord to pacify her (assuming these exist).
Your landlord can try to get fire department, you may be creating a fire hazard, or the city, having a tent placed out front is likely against some law or another, or their insurance agent to issue a citation which would make you move it. If you get a notice from any of these things it gives your landlord what they need to evict you for breach of the lease, specifically the standard Rule and Law clause.
She said it is the electric, but more than likely it is because you erected a permanent tent on the property without permission. I wouldn't be happy with you, either.
Plus there has been a complaint about it from a neighbor......not the thing to make your landlord happy with you.
I work from home as a computer programmer. I like to be outside, so work at a desk in a Costco-style carport tent in my backyard. Across the street, my neighbor has a similar carport in the same place so this is not an issue. Somebody told my landlord that someone is living in a tent in my yard so she came by to see for herself today, with my permission and blessing.
She was pretty put off by the fact that I am working out here: "this yard isn't really intended to be used as an office." Finally it came down to the extension cord that comes out here being a hazard in her opinion, especially once it begins to rain.
She's told me that she will be sending me an addendum to my agreement that specifies that I will need to vacate my outside office by November first and throughout the "rainy season."
Is this something that they can dictate or enforce?
BTW. I just noticed the title of this post. Nobody can offer you legal advice online. Everyone's opinons here are non-legal advice. If you want legal advice, hire an attorney.
She's told me that she will be sending me an addendum to my agreement that specifies that I will need to vacate my outside office by November first and throughout the "rainy season."
Is this something that they can dictate or enforce?
She can "send" you all the addendum's she wants! But, so long as you don't sign them, she can not enforce them on you. So, if you don't like the addendum, just don;t sign it!
However, if the tent is 200 sq feet or more in size (most garage tents start at 10' X 20") it's under the authority of the CA Fire Marshall and requires a permit, inspection and fire protection devices. I dont; think you want to bring it up to code or go through the expense of permitting it. Additionally, if the Fire Marshall comes a calling, everyone else on that block with one (or any other obvious violations) is going to get hit for a violation. You probably won't be popular.
If they hit your landlord with a violation, she can order it removed and you can be held responsible for any financial fines she has to pay. If you don't comply, she can evict.
If you are within the limits of the City or County of Sacramento, even if your tent is under 200 square feet, they still restrict its use to no more than 180 days within a 12 month rolling period. If you had it up for more than 180 days in the last 365 days, the landlord can demand it be taken down or face eviction.
Now, I bet if you read your lease there is probably something that restricts your use of the property to residential purposes. Or it may contain a clause about obeying local/state laws. And I would not be surprised if it requires permission to erect anything that falls under some government regulation. So you may not have much of a leg to stand on.
Too hard to say without a copy of the lease and the rules and regulations in your jurisdiction.
Sometimes things are open to interpretation.
No legal advice promised of offered.
Are you month to month... if so, a notice might be all that is necessary.
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