We have found a very nice house for rent in CA. The owner is actually a contractor who built it less than a year ago and cannot sell it and has now decided to rent it.
We are looking into staying in this house for a few years (5 at least) but the owner was pretty clear with us on why he is renting it and explained he would eventually put it back on the market a couple of years from now if we would not buy it.
Is there any kind of protection in the state of CA for the renter to avoid being "kicked out" when the housing market goes back to normal?
There are a tone of houses for rent in this state right now because people can't sell, so I am sure a lot of renters might be in the same situation. Would we have to sign a 5 year contract to make sure we won't have to move in 2 years or so?
Thank you
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
You can not, the state of CA allows property owners to sell their rented properties.
The law also allows the owner, new or old, to tell the renter to leave if they want to live in their own house. Lease or no lease, this right can not be contracted away. Even with a 5 year contract he could tell you to move in 6 months if he or the new owner wants to reside in their own property.
No landlord is going to sign a 5 yr lease with anyone. It is just not done.
There is nothing to can do to avoid him putting it back on the market. He has every right to sell his house.
All you can do is sign how ever long of a lease he is willing to do and keep your fingers crossed. If it does sell then the new owner will be required to keep you until the end of your lease.
If you do not want to deal with the possibility of it getting sold, then you just need to find another house that is not going to be sold. There is nothing you can do.
No, he is under no obligation to consider a long term lease or to renew a yearly lease.