Can a landlord evict an active duty member's spouse for late rent?

Full question:

Can the landlord evict an active duty memeber's spouse for nonpayment or late rent. Also, I need a legal statement showing the laws that stop an eviction of said spouse.

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Lease Termination
  • Date:
  • State: California

Answer:

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA) protects active duty service members and their dependents from eviction. This law applies to service members entering or called to active duty, including reservists and National Guard members on federal service.

Under the SSCRA, landlords cannot evict a service member or their dependents without a court order if the rent is $1,200 or less per month. If a service member signed a lease before entering active duty, they can request a court to delay eviction proceedings for up to three months if their ability to pay rent was significantly impacted by military service.

Additionally, California law requires landlords to provide 60 days' notice before evicting a tenant who has lived in a dwelling for one year or more, or 30 days for tenants who have resided for less than one year (Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1). This law is in effect until 2010.

Army Emergency Relief (AER) can assist service members facing eviction by providing financial aid to cover rent, provided there is an eviction notice from the landlord.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

To beat an eviction case, tenants should gather evidence to support their defense, such as proof of timely rent payments or communication with the landlord. They can also assert protections under laws like the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act if applicable, which may delay eviction for active duty service members and their dependents. It's crucial to respond to eviction notices promptly and seek legal advice to understand rights and options. Documenting all interactions with the landlord can also be beneficial in court. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*