Squatters are people occupying property without the consent of the party owning or leasing it. There have been squatters for as long as people have owned property, but there are modern twists to this age-old practice. Squatters have limited rights. Depending on how persistent or violent they may be, this…
California is the third largest state by physical size, behind only Alaska and Texas, at about 163,695 square miles. You could fit about two Kansases or four West Virginias in the state. You might think with all this room to build, housing should be more affordable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work…
You want to maintain a steady income stream from every unit you own. That may end if mold is visible in a unit because it may result in a tenant claiming the unit’s uninhabitable. They may also withhold rent if they pay for self-help to address the problem. What is…
A property owner should make every effort, including consulting with an attorney, to ensure they operate under the law. One reason to do so is to avoid being sued for wrongful eviction, though these claims are sometimes falsely made. If you’re facing one of these lawsuits or want advice on…
A subtenant may be someone taking over the space because the tenant will no longer be there, or the two (or more) may share the same space. Subleasing is legal in California unless prohibited or limited in your lease agreement. A sublease transfers the tenant’s right to part or the…
Why Do I Need a Lawyer’s Help If I’m Served a Subpoena? Subpoenas are legal documents that require a response. You may get one because you or your business is being sued, you’re suing someone else, a government agency is investigating you, or you may be a witness to something….
This year updates a 2016 state law that created a method for beneficiaries to limit the probate process by creating a trust involving property. A transfer on death (TOD) deed would transfer ownership of it on the owner’s death to the trust’s beneficiary. Changes are meant to address past issues that…
If you own real estate with others and can’t agree on what to do with it, a partition action may be the best resolution. Ideally, you will negotiate and agree upon a solution. If you can’t, a judge can decide the outcome. If Co-Owners Can’t Resolve Disputes on Their Own,…
You thought it would never end, didn’t you? Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted earlier this month to wrap up a COVID-related eviction moratorium starting February 1. Landlords will be allowed to return to using the legal process to evict tenants behind in their rent. The restrictions were on the…
Landlords need financial protection in case a tenant damages a unit. You should have insurance, but you have deductibles to pay, and too many claims will boost your premium. A security deposit provides a financial cushion, but its use is limited. It’s not an extra pile of cash you can…
