A few days after the September 11th attacks, the Environmental Protection Agency assured New Yorkers the air near Ground Zero was safe to breathe. Tragically, that wasn’t true. In the 24 years since, studies have linked toxic exposure in Manhattan to soaring cancer rates among first responders, residents, office workers and students. Thousands have died…
There are many times when both the IRS and taxpayers disagree with the findings or position of the IRS. In those instances mediation, also known as alternative dispute resolution, is an alternative path that can sometimes fast track resolution of tax issues. Mediation Might be Right for a Taxpayer if: The taxpayer wants to resolve…
In California, Senate Bills 721 and 326 represent transformative legislation aimed at reinforcing safety and structural integrity in multi-family and condominium properties. While these laws were enacted in response to a tragic incident, they also provide a crucial compliance pathway to protect building owners and homeowners associations (HOAs) from insurance cancellation, liability exposure, and financial penalties.…
The numbers no longer pencil out like they used to. Once seen as a golden opportunity for passive income, short-term rental properties are now facing mounting pressure from every direction. The most recent hit? California Senate Bill 584 (SB 584), the Laborforce Housing Financing Act, which imposes a new 15% state tax on short-term rentals,…
New SF legislation would ban natural gas in homes and businesses undergoing major renovations. Currently and until 2030, the law requires electric conversion only on new construction. California has mandated conversion of all gas appliances to electric. While the ban would impact only new construction and replacement of existing gas-based appliances when they break down…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws, followed by answers provided by Attorney Richard Beckman. Question 1: Are we required to refund credit/background check fees that were paid to run a screening if the applicant does not meet the criteria and is denied? Answer 1: Under California Civil…
Los Angeles fire survivors are demanding the state intervene more to help them recoup what they’re owed from insurance companies, citing months of frustration. Lawmakers and people who lost their homes in the January fires gathered Monday morning to ask state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to increase transparency and beef up enforcement. They described lengthy…
Insurance carriers track the pulse of California’s earthquake liabilities, just as they monitor trends in fire, flood, hurricanes, and other hazards that can cause claims to be filed for property damage, injury or death. Warnings from seismologists that California is long overdue for a major earthquake has property owners and insurance actuaries concerned. As risks…
Insurance carriers track the pulse of California’s earthquake liabilities, just as they monitor trends in fire, flood, hurricanes, and other hazards that can cause claims to be filed for property damage, injury or death. Warnings from seismologists that California is long overdue for a major earthquake has property owners and insurance actuaries concerned. As risks…
California taxpayers are angry enough over the nation’s most embarrassing boondoggle – the infamous high-speed rail project. But imagine the outrage if the state Legislature approved a plan to pay for the project with higher property taxes. Visions of tar and feathers immediately come to mind. No other topic has been the subject of this…