I rent from a dead beat jerk who I found out hasn't paid rent in two years and cons the idiotic landlord that he will pay up. Well recently the landlord found out I moved in and rented a spare room and knows I paid rent as I told him personally. Obviously the guy I rent from was upset, saying he didn't want the landlord to know because he spent the rent I gave him to go out to dinners. The landlord knows I'm here and I have utilities in my name and have paid rent and receive mail here as well. I told him that by California law I am a legal resident here. He said that he never leased to me and that the guy I rent from wasn't suppose to sublet. I said that this is why he shouldn't have sublet, because it gives the renter rights. AM I right? Do I have rights? I have witnesses that saw me give this guy rent and he openly admits it.

You have no rights to the landlord. Now if he would like to extend the current terms to you then you will gain rights from him. The person your renting from is the jerk. That is who you are beholding to. Since he is in clear violation of his terms you can legally be thrown out at any time and your only recourse is to go after the "jerk" person.

Hello j:

I don't know what right's you're looking for. You are a month to month tenant. It doesn't matter who your landlord is, you and/or your roommate/landlord can be asked to vacate with 30 days written notice.

Even if the landlord only evicts your roomy, you're still going to have to leave when HE'S evicted.

excon