3 Quotes by Myron Moskovitz

Civil Code §1947.3 provides that a landlord or landlord's agent must allow a tenant to pay rent and the security deposit by at least one form of payment that is neither cash nor electronic funds transfer, unless the tenant has previously attempted to pay with a check drawn on insufficient funds or stopped payment, in which case the landlord may demand cash for up to the next three months. Any waiver of the tenant's rights under this section is void.

The landlord, however, may not use the security to repair or improve conditions that existed before the tenancy began or that are the cumulative effect of ordinary wear and tear occurring during any one or more tenancies. CC §1950.5(e).

Unlawful self-help by a landlord or owner is a crime in some circumstances. See Pen C §§418, 602.5. Penal Code §602.5 also provides that any person, other than specified public officers and employees, who enters a residence without the owner's consent while a resident or other person authorized to be in the dwelling is present, is guilty of aggravated trespass. Aggravated trespass is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to a year, or by a fine up to $1000, or both.