Question

california rental laws - can tenants refuse open houses?

We've had 8 open houses, 3 broker tours, 3 private showings in the last 10 weeks. Can we refuse to show our apartment to any more open houses and request that the landlord be restricted to private showings only? I believe we have been more than reasonable. There are 6 more open houses scheduled for the next 3 weeks. We are in an inlaw unit and it is merely an extension of the house upstairs, which looks pretty much the same. Please do not answer unless you are familiar with san francisco rental law. thank you

5 months ago - 5 answers

Best Answer

Chosen by Asker

In YOUR case, yes, you can. Your land has the right to show the property, however, what he/she is doing is excessive and is interfering with your right to "quiet enjoyment"...which is a term they will find your lease. That is true WITH ALL leases in EVERY state. Take extensive pictures of the place...give them to the landlord...and tell him that when he has a SERIOUS buyer you would be happy comply with his request for a showing, but you may be forced to take legal measures if he keeps that up. Some courts will actually refund your rent. Technically, all he owes you is a 24 hour notice. However, no one is requiring you to leave the place clean....and a few cans of roach spray from the $1 store left out all over the place <wink>...will deter him very quickly.

by Expert Realtor

5 months ago

Asker's Rating: 

Other Answers

It depends on what your lease says. If you agreed to open houses and showings (with notice) then you must oblige by it.

by goldshire1- 5 months ago

I am familiar with all rental laws--they have to be 95% the same across the US. YOU may require the LL put in writing 48 hours before the next showing is to be. Period. if you want---------you can discourage future excessive visits by having unique smells, sounds, create a Hollyween environment or.........be creative. YOU are permitted to be creative to keep people out but you cannot actually keep them out. You may "discourage them." [adding lots of bugs to the ground the hour before they are due. same with fake dog stuff and fake this and that.] [why not convince specific others to buy the bldg with you and hire you to be its manager --without the owner knowing it!]

by kemperk- 5 months ago

California laws pertain to san francisco since it is in california. No means NO. Tell the selling agent you are no longer available for the open houses period. Enough is enough. They can show the home all they want after you have moved out.

by Big Deal Maker- 5 months ago

No, CA specifically sides with the property owner on this one. You can not deny the owner open houses and showings at all. Inferring with the sale is not one of your rights. However, you are entitled to 24 hours notice, which they have provided via the schedule. While real estate agents like you to be gone for an open house it is within your rights to remain in the home.

by Landlord- 5 months ago