California Tenant Law: Landlord showing to buyers?

[SoopaDoopa]

Under California Tenant Law, my landlord can show my house to a prospective buyer with just an oral notice, as long as he gave a written notice within the past 120 days that the house would be for sale.

So my landlord did give me that written notice, but it's been LONGER than 120 days ago. It's now been 150 days. Does that mean his written notice is "outdated"? Can I demand another one? or can I refuse his request to show the house?

This house (like many others in CA) is not selling, and I don't look forward to him continuing to parade prospective buyers through for the 6 months that's left on the lease.

[OHlandlord]

You could refuse to allow him entry. But then he'd just give you that written notice again and it would do no good, but to create ill will between the two of you. This won't stop him from showing the unit, it will only delay him a day. Not really a good solution. He'd then continue to show it the same way he's been showing it.

A better solution would be to have a polite talk with the LL. Let him know that you understand he needs to sell the house and that you want to cooperate. But continual showings really upset your schedule and it is difficult to constantly keep the place in show condition. You know that he wants the place neat and clean so it will show it's best. Try to work out a compromise where he will show the house on one evening of the week (like on Wednesdays from 6-8) and on one weekend day (like Sat. or Sun. from 2-4). Perhaps he would like to make one day a morning time instead to show to buyers who work second or last tricks. This would allow him to schedule showings reasonably quickly and still allow you most of the time to live comfortably without interruptions.

In return, you promise him to have the place spotless at those 2 times. You pick up and wipe off everything and make the place look it's best. If you're there when the buyers walk through, you make yourself inconspicuous unless they want to talk to you. (Then you speak very nicely of the place.) If you and the LL cooperate together, he can sell the place quickly, the new owners will honor your lease, and you won't have the major disruptions. A polite conversation is the best strategy here.