Property already with a tenant

[Cristian Correa]

Hi, 
So I am currently purchasing my  first duplex, hooray! The rental property I am looking at has two units, one is occupied and the 2nd has a tenant, I want to live in one of the two units, however the income from the tenant isnt enough to justify this.

The property is in Los Angeles and is rent controlled

I have heard that I can evict a tenant with the intention of living there! Is this true? I mean common sense would say yes! Its my property, why couldnt I live on my own property?

What do you recommend?

Also! I have understood that rules vary from city to city, state to state, and zipcode to zipcode, however how can I check EXACTLY WHAT ordinances/ rules apply to my property?

[Bryan Noth]

@Cristian Correa I would check with your local and state laws, but in general, the lease terms must be upheld but the owner, which would be you.  You can ask that the tenant leave or offer them cash for keys to move out early and break the lease, but I am not aware of an option to forcibly end a lease without a triggering event.  Check the lease terms for appropriate notice to vacate as well as if they are month to month