Expert: Mark J. Markus- California Bankruptcy Attorney - 5/27/2008

Question
Two months ago my family and I began renting a home in CA on a month to month basis and paid one months rent for deposit.  I month ago we were notified by mail that the owner was filing bankruptcy.  The notice was from the Bankruptcy Court.  I know we signed a lease agreement and are therefore bound to continue to pay rent, but at what point of time do we stop?  Don't want to pay them rent when they are no longer the legal owners.  Would like to time it so that our last months rent is our deposit.  Any tips?  I figure if we don't time it right we won't get our deposit back because they have filed BK.  Since we were legally notified should we be doing anything in response to the notice?  Also, if something breaks are the owners still responsible for fixing it?  Called the owner two weeks ago regarding an issue and hadn't heard back from them.  This is unusual as they use to be very responsive.  Any guidance you could provide would be  very much appreciated.  Thank you

Answer
It depends in part on what chapter of bankruptcy was filed.  In the absence of contrary instructions, I would continue paying whomever you've been paying, until you are instructed otherwise.  You should probably also contact a landlord/tenant attorney just to verify.