My first apartment but I have leasing questions. Please help!?

Hello, I'm about to move into my 1st apt. I'm living in Los Angeles and the rent here is expensive! 1br is about $1000 and a 2br is about $1500. Because I believe can afford either option, it seems a 2br is the better way to go. I work as an independent contractor, so I plan on turning the 2nd br into a home office / guest bdrm. Being my 1st apt, I know that my estimate on bills may be off and I might just have to get a roommate for the 2nd br. Question #1: Do I need to add that roommate onto the lease? In my mind, I prefer not to because I know the landlord could increase the rent or extend the lease terms. Plus, I know I dont get along with certain types of people and I want the option of getting rid of them on my own terms. Any suggestions on this? Question #2: On a month2month agreement between me and my roommate, can I give them 30 days notice and get rid of them or would I need to go through the courts to evict them? Also, I understand that I am legally obligated to pay the landlord in full and responsible for any damages that my roommate would cause if that person was not on the lease. I am willing to take full responsibilities for my roommate. I am more interested in the flexibilities that this type of arrangement would bring for me. I just need to know if it is common practice or even a possible option. I also need more information on evictions... when can they be used? why are they used? Hmmm... If it's true that I can get evicted for having a roommate not on the lease... In a scenario where I have a roommate anyways, give them 30 days notice, they refuse and force me to go through the courts to evict them... what are the chances of the landlord finding out about my eviction notices for my roommate and evicting me for having that roommate in the first place? Are these things very public? Confused yet? =P

2 years ago - 2 answers