To help housing providers stay compliant with new laws taking effect in 2026, AOA made significant updates to all of its rental agreements, including the Bay Area rental agreements. Keep in mind that multiple attorneys, from across the state, review and advise us in the revision process. These updated rental agreements (Form 101) are now…
BIG CHANGE WHEN MAILING NOTICES!! Historically, mail was postmarked the day it was dropped off at the post office or in a mailbox, as long as it was dropped off during the post office’s business hours. This change creates a serious compliance risk for owners serving legal notices, for example, the 3 Day Notice to…
While many markets are experiencing the continued national decline in rents, another trend has emerged, with some metros seeing more out-of-market renters than in-market renters. Realtor.com, in its October report, says over the past six years, 20 of the 50 largest metros have transitioned from being dominated by local renters to being more driven by…
Emotional support animal (ESA) accommodation requests are one of the most common – and most misunderstood – issues housing providers face today. As these requests continue to increase across the country, so do concerns about fraud, particularly involving online ESA letters. The Financial and Operational Impact of ESA Fraud While ESAs are a recognized…
The evaluation and preparation of a Notification to Terminate a Rental Agreement is very technical and so complicated that many refer to handling this document as analogous to trying to navigate through a military minefield. Apartment owners are highly intelligent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They recognize that in order to remove a tenant living under…
The word steward has a variety of meanings. In faith communities, stewardship means exercising prudence and thoughtful oversight of the financial resources of a place of worship. In the business world, a steward is someone who has the responsibility to manage another’s assets with a legal, moral and ethical obligation to act in the best…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws followed by answers provided by Attorney Richard Beckman. Question 1: Can I still use Small Claims Court to recover unpaid rent from the Covid period when tenants were protected from eviction even for non-payment of rent? Answer 1: Maybe, depending on how…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws, followed by answers provided by eviction attorney Dennis Block. Question One: I own a single-family residence, and I have decided to lease it for the first time. Are there any limitations on the rent I can charge, and do you have any…
Pacific Legal Foundation is going back to the U.S. Supreme Court to defend a Michigan family against an outrageous injustice. We’ve joined as co-counsel in the case Pung v. Isabella County, which will be argued at the Court this term. The facts of the case should shock the country. What happened to the Pung…
The New Rental Housing Laws 2026 bring important updates for California landlords and tenants. These changes cover requirements for appliances in new leases, security deposit handling, internet and phone opt-outs, Social Security rent protections, and Oakland rent banking rules. Understanding these new regulations is essential for property owners to remain compliant and protect tenants’ rights.…