Protecting Money From Landlord

Summary

To protect your money from a landlord in California, always get written receipts, keep records of communications, and know your rights under California Civil Code Section 1950.5. If a landlord requests a money order to clear before giving keys, document everything and avoid paying in cash. For a lease agreement to be valid, both parties must sign it, and it should include essential terms like rent amount and lease term. Consult a local attorney for further clarification.

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California
To protect your money from a landlord in California:
*. Always get written receipts for each payment.
*. Keep written records of all communications.
*. Know your rights under the California Civil Code Section *.*.
*. If disputes occur, consider using small claims court or an attorney.
They want my money order to clear before giving me the keys to the home
In California, it's generally legal for a landlord to request that a money order clears before handing over the keys. However, to protect yourself:
*. Document everything in writing.
*. Avoid paying in cash.
*. Consider paying via a traceable method.
*. Consult a local attorney if needed.
Both parts need to sign agreement to be valid
Yes, generally both parties need to sign a lease agreement for it to be legally valid. Could you please clarify if you're referring to a lease agreement or another kind of contract?
It’s a lease agreement
In California, for a lease agreement to be legally binding, it's essential that both parties sign it. Here are some key points:
*. Both parties should have a copy of the signed lease.
*. Ensure the agreement includes essential terms like rent amount, lease term, and property address.
*. Consult with a local attorney for further clarification.