Eviction Blues? Not So Fast, Californians with Disabilities!
Ever had that sinking feeling when the rent check bounces and that certified letter lands on your welcome mat? Yeah, eviction notices are no laughing matter. But fret not, my fellow Californians with disabilities, because Golden State law has your back (and your wheelchair ramp, if needed!).
 |
| Can A Landlord Evict A Disabled Person In California |
So, can your landlord REALLY kick you out?
Hold on to your hats, because the answer is a resounding NO (with some teeny tiny exceptions). California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is like a superhero for disabled tenants, protecting you from eviction based solely on your disability. That's right, your landlord can't be like "Dr. Evil" and hold your disability against you!
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
But wait, there's more! Reasonable Accommodations
Imagine this: your apartment has the charm of a dungeon, but lacks certain features that make your life, well, livable. FEHA says your landlord might have to make some reasonable changes to accommodate your disability. We're talking grab bars in the shower, not a personal moat with a drawbridge.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Now, reasonable is the key word here. Don't ask for a swimming pool filled with trained dolphins (although that would be pretty sweet). But if a ramp or a wider doorway would make your life easier, your landlord has to consider it (unless it would cause them serious hardship, like requiring them to defy the laws of physics).
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Exceptions to the Rule: When Eviction Might Be a Possibility
Just like that pesky fruitcake at the office party, there are a few exceptions. If you're not paying rent, causing damage Godzilla-style, or disrupting the peace like a heavy metal band practicing next door, eviction might still be on the table. Disability or not, everyone has to be a good tenant.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
 |
Also, if your landlord has a legitimate reason to evict everyone in the building (like, say, they're converting it into a giant hamster wheel park), then they can evict you too, but they'll have to follow the proper legal channels and give you some extra time to find a new place (because moving is a logistical nightmare, especially with a disability).
The Bottom Line: Knowledge is Power!
So there you have it! In California, having a disability doesn't mean your landlord can evict you on a whim. If you have any concerns, talk to your landlord or seek help from a disability rights organization. Remember, knowledge is power, and knowing your rights can keep you safe and sound in your home.
Now go forth and conquer, California tenants! Just maybe lay off the glitter bombs when you decorate for the holidays – your neighbors might not appreciate it as much as your landlord's eviction plans appreciate a good dose of legal knowledge.
 |
