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1 Cal. Dist. Ct. 84

Burnell v. Gregory

California District Court

Decided June 15, 1857

California District Court · decided 1857-06-15

George Scott and Christopher Hutchinson, on 4th of May, 1855, leased to George D. Gregory by parol lease, from month to month, certain premises on the south-east corner of Howard and Hubbard streets. The property was then in possession of Thompson, as tenant of Lawrence Webb, the executor of Wembom, who also claimed the fee. Gregory took possession and a few weeks after was evicted by Webb.

Decided 1857-06-15

Norton, J.

¶1This case has been certified to this Court from a Justice’s Court, upon the question of title, I am not sure that this Court has jurisdiction. The action of forcible entry and detainer is regulated by statute, which provided that when the title is involved, the Justice shall proceed no farther. It is questionable whether this suit has been properly certified, but as I shall decide this case on another ground, it is unnecessary to pass upon this.

¶2The defendants, Haynes and Gregory, are improperly joined; upon the ruling of the Supreme Court in Treat vs. Stuart k Bowman, 5 Cal. R., 113, Thompson alone being in possession.

¶3This suit was brought by a landlord, not against a tenant entering and detaining from Mm, but against a person entering and detaining from Me lessee. The lessee, whose lease has not expired, might have brought forcible entry and detainer, but the landlord cannot under the circumstances. It appears that there has been some collusion between the landlord’s lessee, and the person in possession. I should say that when persons gain possession of property by any collusion whatever, with a lessee, they hold under the lessee.

¶4There are certain forms prescribed by law in cases of this kind, one of which is, a demand for rent in writing, three days before suit. The demand in this case is defective in not specifying the amount of rent due. The requirements of the law w'ere not therefore complied with in this ease.

¶5Judgment for the defendant.

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