Property owners commonly charge fees for legitimate reasons, while others charge them to increase revenue. If all the fees were reflected in the rent, it would increase, and the price would be less competitive. Thanks to a bill signed into law in October by Governor Newsom, starting in July you…
If your building was constructed during or before the early 1980s, there’s a chance there’s asbestos in it. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that’s been used in thousands of products for hundreds of years. Some of those products were used in residential homes and apartment buildings. Asbestos is a public…
Property owners should take reasonable steps to prevent someone from slipping and falling in an area that’s their responsibility. You may face one of these legal actions despite your efforts or because a plaintiff makes a baseless claim. Be Proactive to Try to Prevent Lawsuits Facts fuel lawsuits and defenses…
Are you truly at home if you can’t quietly enjoy it? Renters, even in a major city, have a right to quietly enjoy their units, thanks to California law. Landlords need to protect these rights, or, in the worst case scenario, it may be a valid reason for a tenant…
Your tenant is responsible for paying for repairing and cleaning anything beyond ordinary wear and tear to the unit. Anything that falls with ordinary wear and tear is your responsibility. Some tenants damage property, while some landlords deduct the costs from security deposits for regular cleaning and maintenance. Where’s the…
We all need to vent, and there are times when we have important questions that need answers. But if you’re in a situation that might result in legal action, whether you’re the person filing it (the plaintiff) or the person accused of wrongdoing (the defendant), turning to social media is…
Cockroaches and other pests are a fact of life when you own rental property. That doesn’t mean they should be ignored because if the problem becomes severe enough, a tenant may claim they’ve been constructively evicted because the unit’s uninhabitable. What’s a Cockroach? Cockroaches are insects that have been around…
The income from rent keeps buildings maintained and repaired and puts money in landlords’ pockets. There are statewide and local ordinances regulating rent increases, so you’re not in a business where you can freely increase prices as you see fit. You can try to maximize your income while complying with…
Involvement with illegal drugs is a valid reason to evict a tenant. You’ll need proof this is happening before you act, but failing to protect yourself and other tenants can put you in legal, if not criminal, jeopardy. Should You Care If Your Tenant is Using Illegal Drugs? If someone…
As the property owner leasing out residential space to the public, you have legal obligations under California statutes, common law (law developed through court decisions), and local ordinances. They won’t disappear if you contract with a property management company. You are responsible and potentially liable for your actions or failure…
