Landlord Asking Me To Pay Attorney Fees Before Court Is That Legal?

Question

I am currently being evicted for nonpayment of rent. I was extremely late with payment and my landlord says he was told not to accept my payment not even with a late fee. Anyway fast-forward to a couple of days later I get a call from the property management company who said they will accept my payment of rent if I agree to pay for their attorney fees so they can stop the eviction. We haven't even got a court date yet. I told her no thank you but my boyfriend wants to go ahead and pay the $600 lawyer fee. Is what the property management are asking for legal? I live in the state of California.

Answer 1

I would not give them the $600. Read your copy of your lease, carefully!! Go on-line check out the tenant laws for your state before you do anything. Also, get anything in writing from the property management saying that this $600 is actually to stop eviction not just to cover their fees then boot you out..

Answer 2

THey asked. It's your call if you accept or not.  

Answer 3

there won't BE a court date if they STOP the eviction.

Just get everything in writing beforehand.

and pay your rent on time.

Answer 4

search for another place to live,sounds like someone does not what you there anyway.

Answer 5

pay the attorney fees and leave getting thrown out is worse i would know

Answer 6

Paying attorney's fees to stop an eviction?  That is ridiculous.  All your landlord has to do is go down to the sheriff's department and file paperwork.  It's pretty easy and most certainly doesn't take a lawyer to do so.  Stopping an eviction does not cost much in most states - usually there is a 25 dollar fee at most.  

I'd get that offer in writing, then go to court with that.  That would be considered extortion.  I can't imagine a judge would be too happy to see that in court.