Landlady is ill and has basically disappeared... what to do? (CA)
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First: I would escrow the money with a neutral third party (accountant, notary) so that if Mr. Apathetic shows up looking for an envelope of cash you don't give it out and have it disappear. Anyone showing up is going to have to present legal paperwork authorizing themselves. Just who is this Mr. Apathetic in the grander scheme? It's your business to know, and to know on a legal basis, not just what he's saying verbally or if he has a key.
Second: I would open up communication with the other three tenants and see what information they have and be prepared to police the empty suites for your own safety. If anyone moves in without explanation I'd file a police report. It's your building safety so take control before something happens beyond your control.
Third: California rental laws are quite complex but I'll bet this problems covered by precedent. Does Cal. have a rental authority of some kind? Does California have a Public Trustee? If this lady dies without a clear set of legally implemantable instructions the Public Trustee may become involved anyway. It's been years since I've been in Cal. so perhaps someone in that state could bring us up on the rental laws.
Last edited by thedwightguy; 04-01-2013 at 05:01 PM..
Reason: adding word choice
lol (sorry) but it's been 5 years already...this guy and the landlady is probably long gone
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