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?

Q#1 - Legally yes you do need to add your roommate to your lease. They are living in the apartment and the landlord has the legal right to know. -- After saying that most do not add their roommates to the lease, especailly if they move a few months into the lease. I know my sister will be living with me for the summer and paying me rrent but I have no intention of adding her to my lease.

Q#2 30 days notice should suffice espcially if they are not listed on the lease. they have no legal claim over you

Most leases require a list of all residents and violation could cause eviction. AND you CAN'T get rid of the roomie on your own terms. If they resist a 30 day notice, you must go through the entire eviction process.

The one thing you do avoid by not advertising for a roomie publicly is anti-descrimination laws. They only kick in if your advertise.