California Landords (West Hollywood: apartment, leases, tenants)

[kamerona17]

I have lived in my apartment for less than 3 months. The paint is same as when I moved in. The landlord want to charge me 225.00 for a new paint job in the apartment . I am very sure that they will not actually re paint some thing that isnt dirty . Is this legal.

[kamerona17]

[quote=kamerona17;39884344]I have lived in my apartment for less than 3 months. The paint is same as when I moved in. The landlord want to charge me 225.00 for a new paint job in the apartment . I am very sure that they will not actually re paint some thing that isnt dirty . Is this legal?

[luv4horses]

He could/should have repainted between tenants. Some states require that the landlord repaint between tenants, others do not. Do you have a signed contract that mentions this? He can't demand you pay for something you have not agreed to. But, did you ask him to repaint it? If so, he might be doing this just to satisfy your request. The amount is reasonable.

[jw2]

Originally Posted by luv4horses

He could/should have repainted between tenants. Some states require that the landlord repaint between tenants, others do not. Do you have a signed contract that mentions this? He can't demand you pay for something you have not agreed to. But, did you ask him to repaint it? If so, he might be doing this just to satisfy your request. The amount is reasonable.

Which state (or city for that matter) requires repainting between tenants?

[OwlKaMyst]

Originally Posted by jw2

Which state (or city for that matter) requires repainting between tenants?

California is one that does. But not landlords all do.
And I am pretty sure that if you did not do any damage, you can't be responsible for the cost.

[eureka1]

California "landords" put up with a lot. Just like everywhere else.

[jw2]

Originally Posted by OwlKaMyst

California is one that does. But not landlords all do.
And I am pretty sure that if you did not do any damage, you can't be responsible for the cost.

I believe you are incorrect. In fact, California does not have any laws on how often you need to paint. (some cities do, such as West Hollywood, but it is in years, not between tenancies). If the paint is peeling. that must be dealt with. But barring peeling paint, there is no California statute requiring painting between tenants or during an active tenancy.

There is a federal law (Title X) as well as EPA regulations that deal with lead based paints only. They do not deal with how often something has to be painted, only the notifications and handling of the lead.

I suspect if California required repainting after every tenant, most leases would be 3 or 4 years long. Not a desired outcome.

I know some apartment buildings that repaint in-between tenants. They just do a whitewash, no matter what. They put plastic over everything, just spray away, and then let it air out for a few days. For them, it works easier that way to then determine who created the damage to the paint. Because they use watered down paint and their maintenance guys do the labor, their costs is <$200/unit, sometimes much less.

I do not do it like that. First of all I use quality paint (>$50/gallon) and it is hand applied. My smallest units cost me $1000 to paint. My largest $3,000.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by kamerona17

I have lived in my apartment for less than 3 months. The paint is same as when I moved in. The landlord want to charge me 225.00 for a new paint job in the apartment . I am very sure that they will not actually re paint some thing that isnt dirty . Is this legal.

No, it's not legal. tell the landlord you won't pay for it and if they get nasty take them to small claims court.

[Electrician4you]

Originally Posted by OwlKaMyst

California is one that does. But not landlords all do.
And I am pretty sure that if you did not do any damage, you can't be responsible for the cost.

There is no requirement to paint between tenants in California

[steel7]

The landlord is wrong in charging you. The apt should of been painted before you moved in.