For years, landlords have treated background-check disclosures as routine paperwork, important, yes, but rarely the focal point of litigation. A recent California appellate decision makes clear that assumption is no longer safe. Tenant screening has become a pressure point for regulators, advocates, and courts alike. Applicants routinely pay screening fees without seeing the reports used […]
As of January 1, 2025, several new landlord-tenant laws have come into effect in California, marking important changes in real estate and rental agreements. These changes aim to improve transparency, fairness, and security for both landlords and tenants. Let’s explore some of the key updates that could impact your rental property or tenancy in San […]
California has strict rent control laws to protect tenants, all outlined under the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). Here’s what you need to know if you’re a landlord. Rent Increase Limits in California California’s Tenant Protection Act caps 12-month rent increases at 10%, or 5%, plus the percentage change in the cost of living, whichever […]
In November Governor Newsome signed into law California legislation which limits security deposits to one (1) month’s rent for both furnished and unfurnished residential units. The new cap on security deposits for Leases takes effect July 1, 2024. San Francisco Assembly person Matt Haney authored AB 12, which passed both the Senate and the Assembly […]
Rentals can provide a good income stream but can become costly if improperly handled. Here are some of the most common mistakes landlords make that can lead to severe problems. 1. Poor Tenant Screening Good tenants pay their rent on time, keep your property in good condition, and don’t cause you any trouble. Bad tenants […]
Short-term rentals, supported by online platforms such as Airbnb, have long been controversial. Travelers love them because they are often more affordable than hotels and give a sense of staying in a unique “home away from home.” However, they are not without their problems, and locals tend to look down on them. As their popularity […]
It’s curious how something so innocuous-sounding as a homeowner association can be so provocative. Yet, mentioning an HOA is enough to throw some people into a frenzy. For them, the HOA is antithetical to the idea that people should be able to use their property however they see fit. Of course, HOA advocates would quickly […]
Evictions are a nightmare, with many people rating it as the all-time most stressful experience of their lives. Even for the landlords themselves, usually, it is unpleasant and something to be avoided if possible. If you are a tenant on the receiving end of an eviction notice, here is some important information about unlawful detainers […]
Everyone deserves a home; in California, nearly half of all households rent their home. Luckily, California also has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country. However, these protections don’t have much meaning if renters don’t know about them, so we’ll cover some of California’s most important tenant rights. Right to Non-Discrimination Both federal […]
At one time or another, most renters will consider whether breaking a lease is a good idea. There can be a lot of reasons to break a lease—a decrease in earnings, poor conditions on the rental property, or perhaps they just found a better deal. But people often stick it out because they’re worried about […]
Rental Agreement Laws California has some of the most complex landlord-tenant laws in the nation. There are extensive protections for tenants, as well as separate rent-control laws in a number of municipalities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and others. Residential rental agreements must clearly communicate the terms of the tenancy and abide by […]
2020 has brought with it a range of legal issues in the commercial real estate space. Commercial tenant conflicts, while common, have become more prevalent and can take many different forms. That’s why more than ever, connecting with a top-of-the-line commercial tenant attorney in San Diego has never been more important. Savvy clients can prevent […]