Am I entitled to a copy of my lease?

Question

If you read my previous question

http://www.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ah_EUQ0n2HBANPIVcXcA0yLsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080807065243AAKyd90

I went into the office and requested a copy of the lease with the forged signatures and they said no I couldn't take a copy until I signed all the necessary fields. Since when is a lease valid when all the parties haven't signed off on it, and since when am I not entitled to a copy. The signatures I did see was definently not my mothers.

I'm in law school but not a lawyer yet :)

so I contacted a lawyer to discuss my case.

Answer 1

The law says that you MUST receive a copy of the lease.  This is a great lesson for all tenants.  Now that there are copy machines in every Walgreens and Safeways,  no landlord can say "I'll get you a copy later."  Not acceptable.  Get a copy.  But that lesson is for the future.

either you just pay the rent and move when the lease is up..... or you go to Small Claims court and pay $35.  If the landlord doesn't give you a true copy of the lease, your lease is terminated by the judge immediately. The judges don't like landlords who don't follow the rules. I went to a class given by the local judge and i was impressed. /

Answer 2

First always document - put it in writing requesting a copy of your lease. You may need it for small claims court. Send by email or fax as proof of sending.

Contact the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. You can do this on line. The BBB will contact your management office for a resolution. Also, you might try your state Atty Generals office for guidance in regards to your local landlord tenants acts.

Answer 3

If they refuse to give you a copy, you may end up in court, at which time they WILL have to produce a copy for the courts.  That will be your opportunity to challenge the validity of the signatures.

Answer 4

Yes. If you are on the lease.