Can Roommate Tell Me I Can Not Have Visitors

**jacqui189** · 08-23-2009, 08:49 PM

My question involves a roommate in the State of: California.
I rent a room in a single family house the owner of the house is my roommate, we did not do a lease I don't know what my rights are on anything, the land lord/ roommate told my boyfriend that he can not come over anymore nor can a friend that I have coming from Tenn visit me for a couple of hours I have never invited people over before except for my bf (he has never stayed the night) for fear of upsetting her, does she have the right to do this? and should I ask for a lease?

**KeyWestDan** · 08-23-2009, 09:35 PM

In a word, no. I would never sign a lease with that person, I would find a new place to live. When you rent a room, you also receive authority to use and enjoy the common areas of the house. What you have is someone who wants your money but does not really understand what it is to rent a room. The room is your property. Now there can be some reasonable rules, but that best needs to be worked out before someone moves in. A landlord in this situation does not have the right to exclude your friends, unless there is some substantial reason for it.

**LawResearcherMissy** · 08-26-2009, 07:19 AM

does she have the right to do this?

No. You have the right, as a tenant, to enjoy the common areas of the house in reasonable fashion. That includes having guests who aren't raising a ruckus or trashing the place.

Your landlord may limit whether or not guests may spend the night, and how often, but may not prohibit guests entirely.

and should I ask for a lease?

Why would you want to do that? I'd be more inclined to suggest you find a more suitable housing arrangement, and give her 30 days notice that you're leaving.