My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: CALIFORNIA
My Mother is 81 years old and lives alone. Well, mostly alone. A few years ago, she allowed my now-25 year old Nephew to move in. There is no written contract for his staying any particular period of time, any money to be paid, or services to be performed (except for "looking out for grandma" a bit). Mom was letting this grandson live there since he had nowhere else to go (his parents don't want him back). He has a BA, but no formal job, yet seems to have some (not lots) of money. He pays nothing, in money or services.
Now, Mother suffered a fall and Nephew is being asked to keep an eye on my Mother--limited to checking whether she's eaten (very occasionally cooking), whether she's drunk sufficient water, whether she's taken her meds. Reminding her and such.
My Brother and I (Nephew is our Sister's son) are unsure if Nephew will do as asked, and our options if he does not (besides, obviously, paying for care). Can Nephew be told to leave or would he need to be formally evicted?
Basically, since Nephew pays nothing and performs no services in lieu of rent...under CA Civil Code, does he even qualify as a lodger, since his room was not "for hire"? Everything I've seen regarding "single lodgers in a dwelling house occupied by owner" (CA Civ Code 1946.5 and others) include phrases akin to the "hiring of a room."
Also, since he lives there, if he does NOT tend to her, could he be subject to elder abuse laws?

