questions & answers

Question: Our landlord informed us this morning that her realtor lost his license and asked that my husband put in writing that we'll move out asap. She seems a little off and the whole process to get into this home was janky to begin with, it wasn't done properly to say the least. But my question is does she have the right to kick us out before our lease is up? We're never late on rent and we have had 0 issues. Now we're forced into this mess because of the ''family friend'' she had hired as her realtor... is any of this legal?

Answer: The most important issue is whether or not you and your husband currently have a valid lease. If you and your husband have a valid rental agreement with the landlord, and you have not done anything to violate your duties as her tenants, then (as a general rule) she cannot compel you to move out, or to sign any new document, before that agreement expires. The professional standing of her realtor makes no difference. Anyone can be a landlord. If the landlord continues to demand that you move out, you may wish to ask her to explain her reasons in writing. In this situation, it is the landlord, not the tenant, who is required by law to provide written notice (A.R.S. 33-1313). It would also be wise for you to keep careful notes of anything the landlord says or does that you may want to tell a lawyer or a judge in the future in the event that the landlord breaches the lease.